nocturnal (from lat. nocturnus ) 1 adj. At night: Night show . 2 It applies to animals, such as the owl or the bat, that wander at night, and to plants that only have their flowers open during it. Night. 3 adj. and n. It applies to the lonely, melancholic and sad person. 4 m Each of the three parts of the divine office of Matins, composed of antiphons, psalms and lessons. 5 Mus. It is applied as a generic name to certain pieces of sweet and melancholic melody, in keeping with the mood that causes a quiet night. 6 Mus. Serenade in which songs of sentimental tone are sung or played.
