Ecliptic Definition

ĭ-klĭptĭk
noun
The great circle on the celestial sphere intersecting the celestial equator at about 2312° and representing the changing position of the sun with respect to the background stars, as seen from the orbiting earth during one year.
Webster's New World
A great circle inscribed on a terrestrial globe inclined at an approximate angle of 23°27' to the equator and representing the apparent motion of the sun in relation to the earth during a year.
American Heritage
The plane of the earth's orbit extended infinitely.
Webster's New World
adjective
Of eclipses or the ecliptic.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Ecliptic

Noun

Singular:
ecliptic
Plural:
ecliptics

Origin of Ecliptic

  • Middle English ecliptik from Medieval Latin (līnea) eclīptica ecliptic (line) from Latin eclīpticus of an eclipse from Greek ekleiptikos from ekleipein to fail to appear eclipse

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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