annularity

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   The state or quality of being ring-shaped, especially of a solar eclipse in which a thin ring of light remains visible.

   Grammar: An abstract noun with no plural; used with 'the' or on its own: the annularity of the eclipse.

   Patterns

   • the annularity of something

   The annularity of the eclipse lasted only a few minutes at the center of the track.

   Astronomers measured the annularity of the ring as the Moon moved across the Sun.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   The condition of forming or appearing as a ring or ring-like band.

   Grammar: Used mainly in scientific description; there is no plural form in normal use.

   Patterns

   • the annularity of a structure

   The annularity of the coral atoll is clear from the air.

   Under the microscope, the annularity of the cell wall became obvious.

Common combinations

the annularity of an eclipse

Observers traveled far to see the annularity of the eclipse.

maximum annularity

Maximum annularity occurred over the Pacific Ocean.

measure the annularity

Scientists used telescopes to measure the annularity precisely.

Synonyms and how they differ

ring shape

The everyday phrase; it fits general writing, while 'annularity' belongs to technical description.

ring form

Similar in meaning but less precise; 'annularity' is the specialist term for the condition.

Word family

annular adjective

Ring-shaped; used especially of eclipses.

annulus noun

A ring-shaped object or band, especially in mathematics and biology.

Commonly confused: annularity or annual? annularity or angularity?

Practice

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