English Dictionary

Definition of “eclipse”

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eclipse (ɪˈklɪpsPronunciation for eclipse) 

Definitions

noun

  1. the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth; a lunar eclipse when the earth passes between the sun and the moon See also total eclipse , partial eclipse , annular eclipse Compare occultation
  2. the period of time during which such a phenomenon occurs
  3. any dimming or obstruction of light
  4. a loss of importance, power, fame, etc, esp through overshadowing by another

verb (tr)

  1. to cause an eclipse of
  2. to cast a shadow upon; darken; obscure
  3. to overshadow or surpass in importance, power, etc

Alternative Forms

eˈclipser noun

Word Origin

C13: back formation from Old English eclypsis,  from Latin eclīpsis,  from Greek ekleipsis  a forsaking, from ekleipein  to abandon, from leipein to leave

Usage examples

  • The light of the eclipse held everything in suspension: the trees, the ships, the lynchers at their tree.
    Clive Barker, COLDHEART CANYON (2001)
  • The roads will be packed with a million or more eclipse chasers.
    New Scientist (1999)
  • The moon will emerge gradually from the shadow and exit the umbra at 10: 04 p. m., bringing the partial eclipse to a close.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • On the 14th, the eclipse opens a job door again or brings an official go-ahead for a precious project.
    Sun, News of the World (2001)
  • Its appearance in the morning denotes an eclipse of the Sun, in the evening, a comet or a meteor.
    Walters, Derek, Chinese Astrology (1987)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'E'

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