How Do You Spell METONIC?

Pronunciation: [mɛtˈɒnɪk] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Metonic" is derived from its origin, the Metonic cycle in astronomy. The word is pronounced /məˈtɑːnɪk/ and its spelling follows the rules of English phonetics. The first syllable "me" is pronounced as "muh" with a schwa sound, as in "about". The second syllable "ton" is pronounced as "tawn" with a long "o" sound, as in "stone". Finally, the last syllable "ic" is pronounced as "ik", with a short "i" sound, as in "stick".

METONIC Meaning and Definition

1. Metonic is an adjective that refers to a type of calendar cycle that occurs every 19 years. The term is derived from the ancient Greek astronomer Meton of Athens, who first observed this pattern in the 5th century BC.

   In the Metonic cycle, the phases of the moon and the solar year align approximately every 19 years, causing the same dates in the solar and lunar calendars to coincide. This cycle is based on the fact that 235 lunar months are almost equal to 19 solar years. The Metonic cycle has been used in various lunar and lunisolar calendars throughout history, providing a way to harmonize the lunar and solar calendars and ensure that important religious and agricultural events coincide with predictable astronomical patterns.

   The concept of a Metonic cycle is widely recognized in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, and the study of calendars. It represents a useful tool for understanding the relationship between the moon's phases and the solar year. The term is often used to describe the synchronization of lunar and solar calendars, and it allows for the prediction of events occurring simultaneously across these calendars over a 19-year period.

   Overall, "Metonic" pertains to a specific calendar cycle that helps in maintaining consistency between the lunar and solar calendars, providing a means for predicting the alignment of important events over a 19-year period.

2. An epithet applied to the cycle of the moon.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for METONIC

• meyonic
• me5onic
• metojic
• metojnic
• Me4onic
• Meuonic

Etymology of METONIC

The word "Metonic" is derived from the name of a Greek astronomer and mathematician named Meton of Athens. He is known for his work in calendrical studies, particularly in the development of the Metonic cycle – a period of 19 years that approximates the length of 235 lunar months, or 19 solar years. This cycle was used to reconcile the discrepancies between lunar and solar calendars and still has implications in modern calendar systems. Consequently, the word "Metonic" is often used to refer to anything related to or derived from Meton's work.