metonic cycle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequencyTechnical / academic
Quick answer
What does “metonic cycle” mean?
A period of approximately 19 years, after which the phases of the moon recur on the same days of the year.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A period of approximately 19 years, after which the phases of the moon recur on the same days of the year.
In astronomy and historical chronology, a 19-year lunisolar cycle used to intercalate lunar months into solar years to keep calendars synchronized with seasons and lunar phases; named after the 5th-century BC Athenian astronomer Meton.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling.
Connotations
Identical connotations as a precise technical term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to specialist texts.
Grammar
How to Use “metonic cycle” in a Sentence
[The] Metonic cycle + verb (is, was, corresponds to, lasts)[Noun] + based on/using the Metonic cycleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metonic cycle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Metonic calendrical calculations are fascinating.
- They followed a Metonic-based system.
American English
- The Metonic calendar calculations are fascinating.
- They used a Metonic-based system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, astronomical, and calendrical studies to discuss ancient timekeeping.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core usage. Precise term in astronomy and history of science for a specific calendrical cycle.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metonic cycle”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metonic cycle”
- Misspelling as 'Metonik', 'Metonical', or 'Mentonic'. Using lowercase ('metonic cycle'). Using it as a general term for any cycle.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in everyday calendars. Its principles are of historical importance and are studied in the history of astronomy, but modern calendars like the Gregorian use more complex rules.
It is named after Meton of Athens, a 5th-century BC Greek astronomer. Evidence suggests the cycle may have been known earlier by Babylonian astronomers.
To reconcile the lunar month (about 29.5 days) with the solar year (about 365.25 days). After 19 solar years, there are almost exactly 235 lunar months, allowing lunar and solar calendars to realign.
The Metonic cycle (19 years) aligns lunar phases with the solar year. The Saros cycle (about 18 years) aligns the Sun, Earth, and Moon to produce similar eclipse patterns. They are different astronomical cycles.
A period of approximately 19 years, after which the phases of the moon recur on the same days of the year.
Metonic cycle is usually technical / academic in register.
Metonic cycle: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˌtɒn.ɪk ˈsaɪ.kəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˌtɑː.nɪk ˈsaɪ.kəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Met-on-ic' – Meton put the moon ON track with the sun, and it took 19 years to cycle back.
Conceptual Metaphor
A celestial gear system: the moon and sun's motions meshing perfectly every 19 turns.
Practice
Quiz
What is the approximate duration of the Metonic cycle?