Ephemerideilla

Ephemerideilla is a rarely used term that denotes diminutive ephemerides—brief tables or calendars listing astronomical data for designated dates. In this sense, an ephemerideilla would be a compact or pocket edition intended for quick reference rather than detailed study.

Etymology and scope: The form derives from ephemeris, itself from Greek ephḗmeris meaning daily, with the diminutive suffix -illa. The term is not part of standard astronomical vocabulary, and its precise scope varies by author or catalog.

Usage in literature and scholarship: In modern reference works, ephemerideilla are not recognized as a formal category. The word sometimes appears in bibliographies or bibliographic notes describing miniature or pocket ephemerides published in almanacs or travel guides. In such contexts, ephemerideilla are described as condensed versions of full ephemerides, containing essential data such as planetary positions, lunar phases, and notable events, with limited coverage and precision.

Relation to ephemeris: An ephemeris is a comprehensive table of celestial positions; ephemerideilla would be its smaller counterpart. The term’s appearance is largely historical or bibliographic rather than as a standard scientific term.

See also: Ephemeris; Almanac; Pocket calendar; Nautical almanac; Miniature publications.