eccentricity

noun ec·cen·tric·i·ty \ˌek-(ˌ)sen-ˈtri-sə-tē\

: the quality of being strange or unusual in behavior

: an act or habit that is strange or unusual

plural ec·cen·tric·i·ties

Full Definition of ECCENTRICITY

a : the quality or state of being eccentric

b : deviation from an established pattern or norm; especially : odd or whimsical behavior

a : a mathematical constant that for a given conic section is the ratio of the distances from any point of the conic section to a focus and the corresponding directrix

b : the eccentricity of an astronomical orbit used as a measure of its deviation from circularity

See eccentricity defined for English-language learners

See eccentricity defined for kids

First Known Use of ECCENTRICITY

1545

Related to ECCENTRICITY

Synonyms: crotchet, curiosity, idiosyncrasy, erraticism, individualism, kink, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quiddity, quip, quirk, singularity, tic, trick, twist

Rhymes with ECCENTRICITY

authenticity, catholicity, domesticity, elasticity, electricity, historicity, multiplicity, specificity, synchronicity

Learn More About ECCENTRICITY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "eccentricity"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "eccentricity"

Nglish: Translation of "eccentricity" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "eccentricity" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: eccentric–shaft pressPrevious Word in the Dictionary: eccentricalAll Words Near: eccentricity

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up eccentricity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site