Phrase guide

Metonic cycle

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /mĕtŏnĭk sīkl/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A particular approximate common multiple of the tropical year and the synodic month; in other words, the 19-year period over which the lunar phases occur on the same dates.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: calendar studies

Topics: astronomy, natural-sciences

Examples

  • According to the Metonic cycle, a lunar calendar begins on the same solar date every 19 years.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: enneadecaeteris, lunar cycle

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese: 默冬章 (mòdōngzhāng) — Translations
  • French: cycle métonique — Translations
  • German: Metonischer Zyklus — Translations
  • Greek: Μετωνικός κύκλος (Metonikós kýklos) — Translations
  • Irish: ciogal gealaí — Translations
  • Japanese: メトン周期 — Translations
  • Latin: cyclus Metonicus — Translations