harvest moon

/'hɑ:vist'mu:n/

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Word: Harvest Moon

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The "harvest moon" is the name given to the full moon that occurs closest to the September equinox, which is the time in late September when day and night are approximately equal in length. This moon is significant because it traditionally marks the time when farmers gather (or "harvest") their crops, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use "harvest moon" when talking about the time of year when crops are collected. It is often used in discussions about nature, farming, or seasonal changes.
• Context: This term is often used in literature, poetry, and conversations about agriculture or astronomy.

Example Sentence:

• "The harvest moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating the fields where farmers were busy gathering their corn."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature, the harvest moon is often used as a symbol of abundance, change, or the passage of time. Poets and writers may describe its beauty to evoke feelings of nostalgia or celebration.

Word Variants:

• Harvest (noun): This refers to the process of collecting crops.
• Moon (noun): This refers to the natural satellite that orbits Earth.

Different Meanings:

• "Harvest" on its own can refer to the act of gathering crops or can mean to collect or reap anything, such as ideas or information.
• "Moon" can refer to any natural satellite or can be used metaphorically to describe something beautiful or serene.

Synonyms:

• Full Moon (used more generally, but not specifically tied to September)
• Autumn Moon (as it occurs in the autumn season)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "harvest moon," but you might come across phrases like "chasing the moon" (seeking dreams) or "once in a blue moon" (something that happens very rarely).

Summary:

The "harvest moon" is an important term related to the full moon that helps mark the changing seasons and the time for gathering crops.

Academic

Noun

1. the full moon nearest the September equinox