Meaning & Definition of word "Eclipse"
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Eclipse
/ɪˈklɪps/
noun:
- 1. An astronomical event in which one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body, causing a temporary obscuration.
- Example: The solar eclipse drew thousands of spectators to the park to witness the rare phenomenon.
- 2. A period of reduction or loss of significance, power, or prominence.
- Example: The artist's career saw an eclipse in the late 1990s before making a strong comeback.
verb:
- 1. To obscure or overshadow the importance or fame of someone or something.
- Example: The young actor's performance in the film may eclipse that of his more experienced co-stars.
- 2. To block out light from a celestial body.
- Example: The moon will eclipse the sun during the total solar eclipse.
Etymology
From Middle English, from Old French 'eclipse', from Latin 'eclipsi', from Greek 'ekleipsis' meaning 'to leave out, fail to appear, be absent'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
solar eclipse:
An eclipse that occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun.
lunar eclipse:
An eclipse that occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the moon.
eclipse of the sun:
Another term for a solar eclipse.
Related Words
umbra:
The fully shaded inner region of a shadow during an eclipse.
penumbra:
The partially shaded outer region of the shadow during an eclipse.
Slang Meanings of eclipse
Meaning: To overshadow or dominate someone or something.
Example Sentence: She totally eclipsed him in the debate.
Meaning: To fall out of favor or popularity.
Example Sentence: That trend has eclipsed in the past few years.