Meaning & Definition of word "Eclipse"
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.