Definition of syzygy

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syz·y·gy    (sz-j) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. syz·y·gies

1. Astronomy
   1. Either of two points in the orbit of a celestial body where the body is in opposition to or in conjunction with the sun.
   2. Either of two points in the orbit of the moon when the moon lies in a straight line with the sun and Earth.
   3. The configuration of the sun, the moon, and Earth lying in a straight line.
2. The combining of two feet into a single metrical unit in classical prosody.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin szygia, from Greek suzugi, union, from suzugos, paired : sun-, su-, syn- + zugon, yoke; see yeug- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
sy·zygi·al  (s-zj-l) KEY (Adjective)