Adjective term of pertaining to a non-Earth moon

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an appropriate adjective for a moon that is not of Earth, particularly in the context of naming a "transit" related to such moons. Participants explore various linguistic options and the implications of existing terminology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that "lunar" may be misleading since it specifically relates to Earth's moon.
  • Another proposes "natural satellite" as a potential term, though it may be clumsy as an adjective.
  • Some participants introduce the term "satellitic," acknowledging it is not officially recognized but suggesting it could be used creatively.
  • There is a discussion about the grammatical correctness of using "moon" as an attributive noun, with references to similar constructions like "planetary." Some express skepticism about the grammatical validity of terms like "moon transit."
  • Alternative suggestions such as "moonary" and "moonetary" are proposed, with participants humorously engaging in the creation of new terms.
  • A reference to a movie, "Red Planet," is made, highlighting a similar thematic discomfort with terminology related to moons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a definitive term. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain, with some participants expressing discomfort with existing terminology while others propose new words.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a lack of established terminology for non-Earth moons, highlighting the creative and playful nature of language use in this context.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in linguistics, creative writing, or science fiction may find the exploration of terminology and its implications engaging.

EBENEZR
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Sorry I know this may seem banal but it's really bugging me. I'm making space scenes of made up solar systems in a 3d modelling program and I want to name one "a ~ transit".

If it was a generic planet, I could call it a planetary transit, or if it was OUR moon, I could call it a Lunar transit... but what the Dickens am I meant to use for a moon that is not of Earth?
 
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Hi EBENEZR! :smile:

I think you're stuck with "lunar". :redface:
 
Natural sattelite sounds promising.
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi EBENEZR! :smile:

I think you're stuck with "lunar". :redface:

I may be, I just think it's a little misleading as lunar specifically relates to our moon through mythological references.

Chronos said:
Natural sattelite sounds promising.

That's fine for a noun, but it seems a little clumsy for an adjective 'A lunar transit'/'a natural satellite transit'. I mean if that's the word, then there's nothing I can do, it seems surprising that an unnamed non Earth moon hasn't got its own adjective. I may have to make one up.
 
Satellitic. It's not a word, but that hasn't stopped people from using it. (www.wordnik.com/words/satellitic) Think of it as being on the cutting edge of etymology.
 
Eliyak said:
Satellitic. It's not a word, but that hasn't stopped people from using it. (www.wordnik.com/words/satellitic) Think of it as being on the cutting edge of etymology.

"Cutting edge of etymology" - haha! As a language lover this turn of phrase made me laugh. I'm going to use it too.
 
"a moon transit"?
 
mfb said:
"a moon transit"?

I don't think that makes sense grammatically though, like how "a planet transit" doesn't.
 
EBENEZR said:
I don't think that makes sense grammatically though, like how "a planet transit" doesn't.
Attributive use of nouns is grammatically correct, afaik:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/help/dictnotes/attrib.htm

You don't use "planet transit" for the simple reason that an equivalent adjective "planetary" is available.
 
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  • #10
Moonary? Hmmmm.
 
  • #11
Bandersnatch said:
Attributive use of nouns is grammatically correct, afaik:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/help/dictnotes/attrib.htm

You don't use "planet transit" for the simple reason that an equivalent adjective "planetary" is available.

Interesting, thanks! I'm just surprised that one hasn't come up, when you consider almost every named moon and planet in the solar system has a denonym or adjectival term, you'd think simply "moon" would be one of the first to have its own. Ho hum.
 
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  • #12
Moonar transit. There, problem solved!
 
  • #13
MoonarTM
The new, cutting-edge, prescription-free, satellitic adjective straight from PF's linguistic skunkworks! Coming to your 'hood this November.


Warning: overuse side effects might include production of unintelligible sentences, causing blank stares, and development of severe gibberish.

Keep away from children and prescriptive linguists.
 
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  • #14
In the movie Red Planet, Val Kilmer ("space janitor"), exprssed the same discomfort while viewing Phobos from the surface of Mars. Fun movie, check it out.
 
  • #15
Drakkith said:
Moonar transit. There, problem solved!

I was leaning towards "moonetary" transit. Sounds more pecuniary that way.
 
  • #16
satellite
 

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