inferior conjunction

noun

: a conjunction of an inferior planet with the sun in which the planet is aligned between the earth and the sun

Examples of inferior conjunction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Whenever a planet sits directly between the sun and Earth, this is referred to as an inferior conjunction. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024 Venus will then quickly sink back into the Sun’s glare, crossing the near-side of the Sun—something called inferior conjunction by stargazers—on August 13, 2023. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inferior conjunction was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near inferior conjunction

Cite this Entry

“Inferior conjunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inferior%20conjunction. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on inferior conjunction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!