Nocturnal

Adjective

Definitions

1

1485–Present

Of or relating to the night; done, held, or occurring at night

2a

1599–Present

Of an animal: active chiefly or exclusively at night

2b

1840–Present

Of an eye: adapted for vision at night

3

1679–Present

Of a person: that engages in an activity or occupation by night; preferring to be active at night

Etymology

Etymons:

Latin

Nocturnalis

Nocturnale

Notes

The frequency with which the variant noctural occurs suggests that it is not a straightforward transmission error; it may show remodelling after natural adj.

Oxford English Dictionary