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Eclipse: meaning, definitions and examples

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eclipse

 

[ ɪˈklɪps ]

Noun / Verb
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

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

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.

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 origin

The word 'eclipse' comes from the Greek word 'eklípsis', which means 'abandonment' or 'downfall'. The ancient Greeks used this term to describe the sudden disappearance of the Sun or Moon during an eclipse, believing it to be a sign of anger from the gods. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English to describe both astronomical and metaphorical phenomena.

See also: ecliptic.

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.