eclipse

English

/ɪˈklɪps/

noun
Definitions
  • (astronomy) 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.
  • (ornithology) 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

Etymology

Derived from Old French eclipse derived from Latin eclīpsis derived from Ancient Greek ἔκλειψις (eclipse, abandoning, absence, disappearance).

Origin

Ancient Greek

ἔκλειψις

Gloss

eclipse, abandoning, absence, disappearance

Concept
Semantic Field

The physical world

Ontological Category

Person/Thing

Emoji

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms