Pronunciation: [nˈɒktantə] (IPA) 
The word "noctanter" is spelled as [nɑkˈtæn.tɚ] in IPA phonetic transcription. It is a term used in astronomy to refer to a star that is visible during the night, but not during the day. The spelling of the word is derived from two Latin words: "nox" meaning night and "ante" meaning before. The letter "c" is pronounced as "k" due to the following vowel sound being an "a". The final syllable "-er" indicates that the word is a noun.
Noctanter is a noun that refers to a fictional device or machine that is used for measuring time during the night or in darkness. The term is often employed in fantasy literature or science fiction narratives and is primarily associated with futuristic or alternate reality settings.
The concept of a noctanter is typically depicted as a sophisticated and advanced piece of technology that allows individuals to accurately determine time during periods when darkness prevails. It is designed to compensate for the absence of sunlight or natural light sources by employing alternative methods of timekeeping, such as utilizing infrared sensors or specialized luminescent dials.
In some fictional accounts, the noctanter may even possess additional features, like tracking lunar phases or displaying celestial positions, providing its users with comprehensive astronomical data. The word, "noctanter," is derived from the Latin word "nox," meaning "night," and "anter" meaning "measurement" or "device."
Although the term's usage is primarily confined to fiction, it may also be employed in a metaphorical sense to describe any object or tool used to measure or determine time in the absence of conventional light sources.
