twilight zone

== English == === Etymology 1 === Because such a zone (in the literal sense of the term) is twilit; see twilight § Etymology. ==== Noun ==== twilight zone (plural twilight zones) (astronomy, astrophysics) A moving line that divides the daylit side and the dark night side of a planetary body. Synonym: terminator Coordinate term: greyline (figuratively, by extension) A region or context located in between others and therefore not subject to their norms. Synonym: shadowland (geography) A deteriorating area surrounding a central business district. Synonym of mesopelagic zone (“the part of the ocean where there is very minimal light, located below the photic epipelagic zone but above the aphotic bathypelagic zone.”). ===== Translations ===== ===== See also ===== (physical): crepuscular (figurative): grey area ==== Verb ==== twilight zone (third-person singular simple present twilight zones, present participle twilight zoning, simple past and past participle twilight zoned) (transitive, intransitive, idiomatic) To put or place into an indeterminate position; to be in an ambiguous, undetermined, or improper context. (transitive, idiomatic) To cause to daydream or zone out; to cause to lose attention to one's surroundings. === Etymology 2 === From the anthology television series The Twilight Zone, first aired in 1959, whose name was inspired by the astrophysical sense. ==== Noun ==== twilight zone (plural twilight zones) (figuratively) A region in which surreal, supernatural, or fantastic events occur. 1996 Christopher Lloyd, "Mixed Doubles," Frasier, Season 4, Episode 6 (originally aired 19 November 1996), spoken by Martin Crane (John Mahoney) Oh, I can't talk right now, Duke. I'm in the twilight zone. ==== Verb ==== twilight zone (third-person singular simple present twilight zones, present participle twilight zoning, simple past and past participle twilight zoned) (intransitive, idiomatic) To experience or perceive something bizarre or fantastic. (intransitive, idiomatic) To behave or occur in a confusing or unexpected manner.