Moonglowing

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. Shining with a soft, silvery radiance like the light of the moon
2. Giving off a gentle, pale luminance resembling moonlight across a landscape or surface
3. Emitting a dim, silvery light reminiscent of the moon as it shines through the night

Etymology: Moonglowing is an -ing form built on "moonglow," a compound of "moon," from Old English "mona," and "glow," from Old English "glowan." Because "moonglow" is a noun, "moonglowing" is best understood as a verb made from that noun, meaning to shine with the soft light of the moon. Its exact date of first use is uncertain. Each part keeps its ancient sense. "Glow" has meant a bright, steady heat or light since Old English, and "moon" has named the same celestial body throughout the history of English. The combined form is a plain descriptive compound, not a coinage with a known inventor.