IPA: /ˈɒk.jʊl.tər/
KK: /ˈɑːkjʊltər/
An object that blocks light from reaching an observer, often used in astronomy to describe events where one object obscures another.
The occulter was used to study the stars by blocking the light from a nearby planet.
This word originates from Latin 'occultere', meaning to cover or conceal. The term describes the act of hiding or keeping something out of sight.
Think of the Latin root meaning 'to cover' — this helps you remember that 'occulter' refers to the act of concealing something.