crepuscular

Everyday

1. (science) Active mainly at twilight, at dawn and dusk, rather than in the day or night: «Rabbits and deer are crepuscular». tree →
2. (formal, literary) Of or like twilight; dim and half-dark: «the crepuscular light». tree →
3. (science) Crepuscular rays: beams of sunlight shining through gaps in clouds, often seen at sunrise or sunset. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, animals are grouped by when they are active: diurnal (day), nocturnal (night) and crepuscular (dawn and dusk) — such as rabbits, deer, hedgehogs at dusk, many cats and fireflies. In nature writing and stories, «crepuscular» sets a dim, mysterious mood. Pupils may photograph crepuscular rays («sunbeams» or «God rays»). Phrases: «crepuscular animals», «crepuscular rays», «crepuscular light».

Examples

• Rabbits are crepuscular, so you often see them at dusk. tree →
• Deer come out at dawn and dusk because they are crepuscular. tree →
• Crepuscular rays streamed through the clouds at sunset. tree →
• My cat is most playful at dawn: it's crepuscular. tree →
• Bats are nocturnal, but many moths are crepuscular. tree →
• The forest was full of crepuscular light. tree →

Note

Said «kri-PUS-kyuh-lur». A long scientific word from Latin «crepusculum», twilight. The three activity words to remember: diurnal (day), nocturnal (night), crepuscular (twilight). Trap: crepuscular is not the same as nocturnal.