ecliptic
(noun) the great circle representing the apparent annual path of the sun; the plane of the Earthâs orbit around the sun; makes an angle of about 23 degrees with the equator; âall of the planets rotate the sun in approximately the same eclipticâ
Source: WordNet® 3.1
So named because an eclipse can occur only when the Moon lies on this plane.
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.
ecliptic (not comparable)
Relating to an eclipse or the ecliptic.
Source: Wiktionary
E*clip"tic, n. Etym: [Cf. F. Ă©cliptique, L. linea ecliptica, Gr. Ecliptic, a.]
1. (Astron.)
Definition: A great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23Âș 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 23Âș 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 12Âș 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 17Âș 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
12 March 2025
(noun) small Australian parakeet usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild but bred in many colors
Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be âdancingâ after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. Thatâs how the first coffee drink was born.
