eclipse Meaning & Definition
What Does Eclipse Mean?
Eclipse is used as a noun meaning An alignment of astronomical objects whereby one object comes between the observer (or notional observer) and another object, thus obscuring the latter. It can also mean Especially, an alignment whereby a planetary object (for example, the Moon) comes between the Sun and another planetary object (for example, the Earth), resulting in a shadow being cast by the middle planetary object onto the other planetary object. As a verb, it means Of astronomical or atmospheric bodies, to cause an eclipse. As a verb, it means Of astronomical bodies, to cause an eclipse.
Eclipse in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ɪˈklɪps// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | occult and overshadow |
| Plural | eclipses |
| Verb forms | eclipses, eclipsing, eclipsed |
Eclipse Definition (Noun)
- An alignment of astronomical objects whereby one object comes between the observer (or notional observer) and another object, thus obscuring the latter.
- Especially, an alignment whereby a planetary object (for example, the Moon) comes between the Sun and another planetary object (for example, the Earth), resulting in a shadow being cast by the middle planetary object onto the other planetary object.
- A seasonal state of plumage in some birds, notably ducks, adopted temporarily after the breeding season and characterised by a dull and scruffy appearance.
- Obscurity, decline, downfall.
Eclipse as a Verb
- Of astronomical or atmospheric bodies, to cause an eclipse.
The Moon eclipsed the Sun.
- To overshadow; to be better or more noticeable than.
- To undergo eclipsis.
Verb
- Of astronomical bodies, to cause an eclipse.
The Moon eclipsed the Sun.
- (Irish grammar) To undergo eclipsis.
Synonyms of Eclipse
Eclipse synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Eclipse
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Eclipse in a Sentence
The Moon eclipsed the Sun.
Word Forms & Grammar
eclipse (countable and uncountable, plural eclipses)
eclipse (third-person singular simple present eclipses, present participle eclipsing, simple past and past participle eclipsed)
Words That Rhyme With Eclipse
Origin of Eclipse
From Middle English eclipse, from Old French eclipse, from Latin eclīpsis, from Ancient Greek ἔκλειψις (ékleipsis, “eclipse”), from ἐκλείπω (ekleípō, “to abandon, go missing, vanish”), from ἐκ (ek, “out”) and λείπω (leípō, “to leave behind”). Doublet of eclipsis. See also ellipse, ellipsis.
How Do You Say Eclipse?
Eclipse is pronounced //ɪˈklɪps// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eclipse
Is eclipse a noun or a verb?
Eclipse is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for eclipse?
You can replace eclipse with words such as occult and overshadow. See the full list of eclipse synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of eclipse?
The plural of eclipse is eclipses.
What is the past tense of eclipse?
The past tense of eclipse is eclipsed. The present participle is eclipsing.