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Eclipse: meaning, definitions and examples

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eclipse

 

[ɪˈklɪps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

astronomy

An eclipse is an event that occurs when one object in the sky moves into the shadow of another object. This can happen in two ways: a solar eclipse, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, or a lunar eclipse, when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.

Synonyms

ecliptic, occultation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eclipse

Refers to a phenomenon where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body, typically involving the sun, moon, or earth. It can be used metaphorically to describe the overshadowing of something.

  • The solar eclipse mesmerized everyone when the moon completely covered the sun.
  • The young football player's talent quickly eclipsed his older teammate's reputation.
ecliptic

A specific term in astronomy referring to the path that the sun takes through the sky over the course of a year, as observed from Earth. It is also used as a reference plane for locating astronomical objects.

  • Astronomers chart the positions of planets along the ecliptic.
  • The zodiac signs are aligned with the constellations along the ecliptic.
occultation

Describes an astronomical event where one object is hidden by another that passes between it and the observer, often used in more scientific or technical discussions.

  • The occultation of the star by the moon provided valuable data for astronomers.
  • Occultations can offer insight into the size and shape of distant planets.

Examples of usage

  • During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun from reaching the Earth.
  • A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To eclipse means to obscure or surpass something or someone by casting a shadow or shining brighter. It can also refer to a decline or loss of significance or power.

Synonyms

outshine, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eclipse

Used mostly in the context of astronomy or when one thing blocks or makes another thing less visible or important.

  • The solar eclipse was visible across the continent.
  • Her performance might eclipse all the other contestants.
outshine

Used when someone or something performs better or radiates more than another, often in a positive and competitive context.

  • At the talent show, she managed to outshine her competitors.
  • The young actor outshone the veteran stars in the film.
surpass

Used when someone or something exceeds or goes beyond a certain standard or level, often in a neutral or formal context.

  • His achievements in science surpass those of any other student in the class.
  • The new model surpasses its predecessor in terms of design and performance.

Examples of usage

  • The new technology has eclipsed the old methods in efficiency.
  • His talent as a musician has never been eclipsed by anyone else in the industry.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Ancient Greek 'ekleipsis,' meaning 'to abandon' or 'to fail,' reflecting the shadowing nature of the phenomenon.
  • There was a Latin term 'eclipsare,' which contributed to the word's development in English through Old French.

Astronomy

  • There are two main types of eclipses: solar, which occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light, and lunar, which happens when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon.
  • Total solar eclipses are rare events, occurring roughly every 18 months somewhere on Earth, but a single location may only see one every several decades.

Cultural Significance

  • Many ancient civilizations viewed eclipses as bad omens, often associating them with the wrath of the gods or impending doom.
  • In some cultures, people performed rituals to ward off the fear that eclipses instilled, showing the strong connection between these celestial events and human superstition.

Science

  • Eclipses have been used as important tools in scientific research; for instance, a total solar eclipse in 1919 helped prove Einstein's theory of general relativity by observing how light from stars was bent by the sun's gravity.
  • Lunar eclipses allow scientists to study the Earth’s atmosphere, as the moon takes on a reddish hue when Earth casts its shadow on it.

Pop Culture

  • Eclipses have inspired countless works of art and literature, often symbolizing change, mystery, or the unknown.
  • Some movies and songs reference eclipses as pivotal moments of transformation or revelation, such as their use in storytelling to highlight dramatic shifts in plot.

Translations

Translations of the word "eclipse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eclipse

🇮🇳 ग्रहण

🇩🇪 Finsternis

🇮🇩 gerhana

🇺🇦 затемнення

🇵🇱 zaćmienie

🇯🇵 日食

🇫🇷 éclipse

🇪🇸 eclipse

🇹🇷 tutulma

🇰🇷 일식

🇸🇦 كسوف

🇨🇿 zatmění

🇸🇰 zatmenie

🇨🇳 日食

🇸🇮 mrk

🇮🇸 myrkvun

🇰🇿 күндүн тұтылуы

🇬🇪 დაბნელება

🇦🇿 tutulma

🇲🇽 eclipse

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,375, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.