ecliptic Meaning & Definition
/ɪˈklɪp.tɪk/
What Does Ecliptic Mean?
Ecliptic is used as a noun meaning The great circle on the celestial sphere that is the mean apparent path of the sun as viewed from the earth. It is also used to mean The plane in which this great circle lies. As an adjective, it means Relating to an eclipse or the ecliptic.
Quick Facts About Ecliptic
| Part of speech | noun, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ɪˈklɪp.tɪk/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Plural | ecliptics |
Ecliptic Definition (Noun)
- The great circle on the celestial sphere that is the mean apparent path of the sun as viewed from the earth.
- The plane in which this great circle lies.
- A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.
Ecliptic as an Adjective
- Relating to an eclipse or the ecliptic.
Synonyms of Ecliptic
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Ecliptic synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
ecliptic (plural ecliptics)
ecliptic (not comparable)
Words That Rhyme With Ecliptic
Origin of Ecliptic
Origin 1: Borrowed from Latin eclīptica. So named because an eclipse can occur only when the Moon lies on this plane.
Origin 2: From Middle English ecliptik, from Latin eclīpticus, from Ancient Greek ἐκλειπτικός (ekleiptikós).
How Do You Say Ecliptic?
The standard pronunciation of ecliptic is /ɪˈklɪp.tɪk/, spoken in 3 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (klɪp).