quarter moon

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === quarter moon (plural quarter moons) (astronomy) Either of the intermediate stages between the new and full moons. Synonyms: half-moon, (rare) quaternary moon ==== Usage notes ==== In spite of the name, half of the Moon's visible portion is illuminated during a quarter moon; hence, it is also called a half-moon. It is called a quarter moon because it is at 1/4th or 3/4th of the way of the cycle from one new moon to the next new moon (which is called a “lunar month” or “moon” for short, hence the “quarter moon” designation.) ==== Translations ====