ecliptic

Etymology

So named because an eclipse can occur only when the Moon lies on this plane. Borrowed from Latin ecliptica.

noun

  1. (astronomy) The great circle on the celestial sphere that is the mean apparent path of the sun as viewed from the earth.
  2. (astronomy) Also, the plane in which this great circle lies.
  3. (geometry) A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.

adj

  1. Relating to an eclipse or the ecliptic.

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