An alignment of three celestial bodies, such as the sun, earth, and moon.

Origin: The word 'syzygy' comes from the Late Latin 'syzygia', which in turn derives from the Greek 'syzygia' (σύζυγία), meaning 'yoking together' or 'conjunction'. The Greek root 'syn-' means 'together' and 'zygon' means 'yoke'. The term was adopted into English in the late 16th century.Historical and Cultural Context: The concept of syzygy has been significant in astronomy and astrology since ancient times, referring to the alignment of celestial bodies which was often associated with significant events or omens.Evolution: Initially used in a more general sense of 'pairing' or 'conjunction', the term evolved to specifically describe astronomical alignments. Similar terms exist in other languages, such as the German 'Syzygie'.Modern Relevance: Today, 'syzygy' is primarily used in astronomy to describe the alignment of three celestial objects. It remains a term of interest in astrology and has also entered popular culture, often noted for its unusual spelling and rarity.

Despite its seemingly complex nature, 'syzygy' is one of the few words in English with no vowels when written in its standard form.