Meaning & Definition of word "Eclipse"

Eclipse

/ɪˈklɪps/

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.

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.

●From Middle English, from Old French 'eclipse', from Latin 'eclipsi', from Greek 'ekleipsis' meaning 'to leave out, fail to appear, be absent'.

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.

umbra:

The fully shaded inner region of a shadow during an eclipse.

penumbra:

The partially shaded outer region of the shadow during an 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.