graveyard

views updated Jun 08 2018

graveyard graveyard shift a work shift that runs through the early morning hours, typically covering the period between midnight and 8 a.m.; a group of employees working such a shift. The term is originally nautical, and has been explained as referring to the number of disasters that occur during this time.

See also elephants' graveyard at elephant.

graveyard

views updated Jun 08 2018

grave·yard / ˈgrāvˌyärd/ • n. a burial ground, esp. one beside a church.

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