Dictionary
1eclipse
noun \i-ˈklips\
: an occasion when the sun looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the moon is between the sun and the Earth
: an occasion when the moon looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the Earth's shadow is on it
: a loss of power, success, popularity, etc.
Full Definition of ECLIPSE
1
a : the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another b : the passing into the shadow of a celestial body — compare occultation, transit
2
: a falling into obscurity or decline; also : the state of being eclipsed <his reputation has fallen into eclipse>
3
: the state of being in eclipse plumage
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Illustration of ECLIPSE
Origin of ECLIPSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin eclipsis, from Greek ekleipsis, from ekleipein to omit, fail, suffer eclipse, from ex- + leipein to leave — more at loan
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to ECLIPSE
- Synonyms
- decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, downgrade, ebb, decline, fall
Other Astronomy Terms
2eclipse
verb
: to cause an eclipse of (the sun or moon)
: to make (something) less important or popular
: to do or be much better than (someone or something)
eclipsedeclips·ing
Full Definition of ECLIPSE
transitive verb
See eclipse defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ECLIPSE
13th century
Related to ECLIPSE
ECLIPSE Defined for Kids
1eclipse
noun \i-ˈklips\
Definition of ECLIPSE for Kids
1
: a complete or partial hiding of the sun caused by the moon's passing between the sun and the earth
2
: a darkening of the moon caused by its entering the shadow of the earth
3
: the hiding of any heavenly body by another
2eclipse
verb
eclipsedeclips·ing
Definition of ECLIPSE for Kids
1
: to cause an eclipse of <The sun was eclipsed by the moon.>
2
: to be or do much better than : outshine <The racer's time eclipsed the old record.>
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