Definition

Describing a shape that is rounded or bulging, especially when referring to the moon or a planet that is more than half illuminated but not fully.

Example

The moon was gibbous, casting a soft light over the landscape.

Conversation

Have you seen the moon tonight?

Yeah, it looks really beautiful!

I love how it's a gibbous moon right now.

Me too! It always feels so magical when it’s like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gibbous → It originates from the Latin word "gibbosus" (meaning humped or rounded), which is derived from "gibbus" (meaning hump). The term describes a shape that is bulging or convex, particularly in reference to the moon when it is more than half illuminated but not yet full.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'hump' ('gibbus') to remember that 'gibbous' describes something that is rounded or bulging, like the shape of the moon when it is nearly full.

Visually Confused Words