What does eclipse mean Meaning and Definition
What does eclipse mean
Pronunciation
/ɪˈklɪps/
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definition
A phenomenon in which the light from one celestial body is blocked by the passage of another celestial body through its path, resulting in a temporary obscuration of the light source.
Examples
- The eclipse of the sun was a rare and awe-inspiring sight.
- The lunar eclipse coincided with a meteorological event, causing widespread panic.
Synonyms
- Blot
- Curtain
Antonyms
- Illumination
- Brightness
Etymology
The word “eclipse” comes from the Latin word “eclipsium,” which means “failing” or “disappearing,” and is derived from the verb “claudere,” meaning “to shut” or “to close.”
Usage Notes
In astronomy, “eclipse” refers specifically to the blocking of the light from one celestial body by another. However, in common language, the term is often used more broadly to describe any situation where something is obscured or covered up.
Cultural References
The idea of an eclipse has been depicted in various forms of art and literature throughout history, often symbolizing the power of the universe or the feared consequences of celestial events.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “On thin ice” – expressing the idea of being in a precarious situation.
- “Cloud the issue” – obscuring the truth or making it difficult to understand.
Related Words or Phrases
- Occultation
- Transit
Collocations
- total solar eclipse
- lunar eclipse
- annular eclipse
Frequency of Use
While the term “eclipse” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, it is often used in scientific and astronomical contexts to describe celestial events.
Common Misspellings
- eclips
- eclipses
- ecolipse