Definition

Relating to the period between two successive conjunctions of celestial bodies, such as the moon and the sun.

Example

The synodic month is the time it takes for the moon to return to the same phase.

Conversation

Did you know that the moon has a synodic cycle with the sun?

Really? I always thought it just orbited constantly.

Yeah, it takes about 29.5 days for the moon to return to the same position relative to the sun, which is called the synodic month.

That's fascinating! I should pay more attention to the moon phases.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Synodic → It is formed from "syn-" (meaning together) and "odikos" (from Greek "hodós", meaning way or path). The term refers to the way or path of celestial bodies as they appear together in the sky during a synodic period.

Memory Tip

Think of celestial bodies moving 'together' ('syn-') along a 'path' ('hodós') — that's why synodic relates to their combined appearances.

Visually Confused Words