eccentric
The definition of eccentric is something that is not exactly circular.
(adjective)An example of eccentric is the orbit of Mercury.
Eccentric is defined as someone or something that is different or behaves in an unconventional way.
(adjective)An example of eccentric is an adult wearing footy pajamas to a formal dinner.
See eccentric in Webster's New World College Dictionary
adjective
- not having the same center, as two circles one inside the other
- not having the axis exactly in the center; off-center: an eccentric wheel
- not exactly circular in shape or motion
- deviating from the norm, as in conduct; odd; unconventional
Origin: ME eccentrik < ML eccentricus < LL eccentros, out of the center, eccentric < Gr ekkentros < ek-, out of (see ex-) + kentron, center
noun
- a disk set off center on a shaft and revolving inside a strap that is attached to one end of a rod, thereby converting the circular motion of the shaft into back-and-forth motion of the rod
- an odd or unconventional person
Related Forms:
- eccentrically adverb
See eccentric in American Heritage Dictionary 4
adjective
- Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern. See Synonyms at strange.
- Deviating from a circular form or path, as in an elliptical orbit.
- a. Not situated at or in the geometric center.b. Having the axis located elsewhere than at the geometric center.
- One that deviates markedly from an established norm, especially a person of odd or unconventional behavior.
- Physics A disk or wheel having its axis of revolution displaced from its center so that it is capable of imparting reciprocating motion.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English eccentrik, planetary orbit of which the earth is not at the center
Origin: , from Medieval Latin eccentricus, not having the same center
Origin: , from Greek ekkentros
Origin: : ek-, out of; see ecto-
Origin: + kentron, center (from kentein, to prick; see kent- in Indo-European roots)
.Related Forms:
- ec·cenˈtri·cal·ly adverb
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eccentric
eccentric circles, with the center of each circle marked
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