Varjutav

Varjutav is an Estonian adjective meaning “eclipsing” or “obscuring.” It is derived from the verb varjutama, which means to overshadow or to obscure. The term is used to describe objects or events that reduce the visibility or brightness of a light source by passing in front of it or by blocking its light.

In scientific usage, varjutav generally refers to phenomena where light from a source is temporarily diminished or blocked. The most common examples are eclipses, such as solar eclipses (päikesevarjutus) and lunar eclipses (kuuvarjutus). The word can also be applied to situations in astronomy where a body transits or occludes another, for instance in the study of exoplanets or in eclipsing binary stars, where periodic dimming occurs due to orbital motion. Subtypes such as partial and total obscuration are often described with phrases like osaline varjutus (partial eclipse) and täielik varjutus (total eclipse).

Beyond astronomy, varjutav can be used more broadly to describe anything that figuratively obscures or shadows something else. In literature, journalism, or everyday language, a varjutav event or force can be said to darken attention, perception, or importance of a subject.

Notes: Varjutav is a descriptive term and not a proper noun. Its usage centers on the idea of overshadowing or dimming, whether in physical light or metaphorical sense. See also varjutus (eclipse) and varjutama (to eclipse, to obscure).