Month
Month
Month (pronunciation: /mʌnθ/) is a unit of time, used with calendars, which is approximately as long as a natural period related to the motion of the Moon; month and Moon are cognates. The traditional concept arose with the cycle of Moon phases; such months (lunations) are synodic months and last approximately 29.53 days.
Etymology
The term month is derived from the Old English word monað, which is related to the Old High German mānod. Both words are related to the Proto-Germanic term *mēnōth- and the Proto-Indo-European term *mḗh₁n̥s. All these terms are believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *meh₁- meaning "to measure", referring to the moon's phases as the measure of time.
Types of Months
There are several types of months in various calendars, including:
- Lunar month: The time it takes for the Moon to pass through each of its phases (new moon, half moon and full moon) and back again.
- Sidereal month: The time it takes for the Moon to return to the same position against the stars.
- Tropical month: The time it takes for the Moon to pass twice through the same equinox point of the sky.
- Anomalistic month: The time it takes for the Moon to return to the same perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth.
- Synodic month: The time it takes for the Moon to return to the same phase (new moon to new moon).
Related Terms
- Calendar: A system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial or administrative purposes.
- Moon: The Earth's only natural satellite. The Moon's regular phases make it a very convenient timepiece, and the periods of its waxing and waning form the basis of many of the oldest calendars.
- Lunation: The time from one new moon to the next. In the Julian calendar, this is a period of 29.53 days on average.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Month
- Wikipedia's article - Month
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