ECLIPTIC

ecliptic

(noun) the great circle representing the apparent annual path of the sun; the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the sun; makes an angle of about 23 degrees with the equator; “all of the planets rotate the sun in approximately the same ecliptic”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

So named because an eclipse can occur only when the Moon lies on this plane.

Noun

ecliptic (plural ecliptics)

(astronomy) The apparent annual path of the Sun in the sky. More accurately, it is the intersection of the celestial sphere with the plane of the ecliptic, which is the geometric plane containing the mean orbit of the Earth around the Sun.

(geometry) A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.

Adjective

ecliptic (not comparable)

Relating to an eclipse or the ecliptic.

Source: Wiktionary

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E*clip"tic, n. Etym: [Cf. F. écliptique, L. linea ecliptica, Gr. Ecliptic, a.]

1. (Astron.)

Definition: A great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23º 28'. It is the apparent path of the sun, or the real path of the earth as seen from the sun.

2. (Geog.)

Definition: A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23º 28' with the equator; -- used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.

E*clip"tic, a. Etym: [L. eclipticus belonging to an eclipse, Gr. Eclipse.]

1. Pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way.

2. Pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses. Lunar ecliptic limit (Astron.), the space of 12º on the moon's orbit from the node, within which, if the moon happens to be at full, it will be eclipsed.

– Solar ecliptic limit, the space of 17º from the lunar node, within which, if a conjunction of the sun and moon occur, the sun will be eclipsed.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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