syzygy

noun·/ˈsɪz.ɪ.dʒi/

An alignment of celestial bodies, especially three in a line, as in sun, moon, and earth at eclipse. Also, more broadly, a paired conjunction or yoked set. Syzygy is geometry: alignment as event.

The eclipse was a brief syzygy, a neat line drawn across the immense disorder of space.

Etymology

From Greek syzygia "yoking together," from syn- "together" + zygon "yoke." An ancient agricultural image repurposed for cosmic arrangement.

Related Words

eclipsea phenomenon produced by syzygy
conjunctiongeneral astronomical alignment
hemiolaa different kind of alignment—of beats
quincunxpatterned placement; kin in geometry