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ecliptic definition

eclip·tic (i klip′tik, ē-)

noun

  1. the great circle on the celestial sphere intersecting the celestial equator at about 23° and representing the changing position of the sun with respect to the background stars, as seen from the orbiting earth during one year
  2. the plane of the earth's orbit extended infinitely

Etymology: ME ecliptik < ML ecliptica < LL (linea) ecliptica < Gr ekleiptikos, of an eclipse

adjective

of eclipses or the ecliptic

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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