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1. (n.) ecliptic
the great circle formed by the intersection of the plane of the earth's orbit with the celestial sphere; the apparent annual path of the sun in the heavens.
2. ecliptic
an analogous great circle on a terrestrial globe.
3. (adj.) ecliptic
of or pertaining to an eclipse.
4. ecliptic
of or pertaining to the ecliptic.
Etymology: (1350–1400; ME < ML eclīptica, fem. of eclīpticus < Gk ekleiptikós)
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| Definition of 'ecliptic' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) ecliptic
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"
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| Definition of 'ecliptic' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (adj) ecliptic
a great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23¡ 28'. It is the apparent path of the sun, or the real path of the earth as seen from the sun.
2. (adj) ecliptic
a great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23¡ 28' with the equator; -- used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.
3. (adj) ecliptic
pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way
4. (adj) ecliptic
pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses
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| Definitions of 'ecliptic' |
The Nuttall Encyclopedia |
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1. ecliptic
the name given to the circular path in the heavens round which the sun appears to move in the course of the year, an illusion caused by the earth's annual circuit round the sun, with its axis inclined at an angle to the equator of 23½ degrees; is the central line of the Zodiac (q. v.), so called because it was observed that eclipses occurred only when the earth was on or close upon this path.
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Definitions of ecliptic 
