Syzygy
/ˈsɪz.ɪ.dʒi/noun
An alignment of three celestial bodies, especially the Sun, Earth, and Moon, in a straight or nearly straight line.
Did you know?In astrology, syzygy traditionally refers to a new or full moon, making the word a technical name for moments when celestial bodies appear symbolically bound together.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*yugóm
“A yoke; something that joins or binds together”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σύζυγος (sýzygos)
“Yoked together; paired or united”
Ancient Greek
Greek
συζυγία (syzygía)
“A joining, pairing, or conjunction”
Late Antiquity
Greek
syzygia
“A conjunction or pairing, including celestial conjunctions”
17th Century
English
syzygy
“A conjunction or opposition of celestial bodies”
Modern English
English
syzygy
“An astronomical alignment of three celestial bodies”