A sappy definition...

lulu · 10-13-2005, 05:35 PM

For some reason, this word made me think of my DH and me.

Syzygy (Noun)
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Pronunciation: ['si-zê-jee]
Definition 1: The alignment of two (or more) celestial bodies, as the moon and sun are in alignment vis-a-vis the earth during an eclipse; by extension, any two distinct objects or

s in alignment or conjunction with each other.
Usage 1: The moon is in syzygy with the earth and sun when it is new or full. Conjunctive syzygy occurs at the new moon, when the Sun and Moon appear on the same side of the Earth. The other syzygy condition, opposition, results in the full moon, since the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. The plural is "syzygies" and the adjective is "syzygetic."
Suggested usage: Let's bring this word down to earth. Things, especially events, align themselves as much on earth as in the heavens. "We were delayed by an unexpected syzygy of events: I bent over to tie my shoe just as, behind me, Beryl drew the mop handle back to finish cleaning the floor." Here is another plain English application: "A syzygy of summer tires, icy roads, and a sharp curve wrapped my car around a tree."
Etymology: Late Latin syzygia, from Greek syzygia "union," derived from syzygos "paired": syn- "together, with" + zygon "yoke." The PIE root *yeug-, whence "zygon" derived, is also the source of English "yoke" not to mention Sanskrit yugam "yoke" and yogah "union" from which English "yoga" is borrowed. "Join," "joint," "juncture," and similar words also go back to the same root. See "Words: Where do they Come from?" in yourDictionary's library for a slice of PIE. (It is appropriate that today's word emerged from a fortunate syzygy of the minds of Chris Stewart of South Africa, Jonathan B. Taylor, and Susan Dillbeck of the USA.)

—Dr. Language, yourDictionary.com