ECLIPSE • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Eclipse

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/ɪklˈɪps/ /əklˈɪps/ /iklˈɪps/ Listen

noun

Eclipse n.

(Astron.) An interception or obscuration of the light of the sun, moon, or other luminous body, by the intervention of some other body, either between it and the eye, or between the luminous body and that illuminated by it. A lunar eclipse is caused by the moon passing through the earth's shadow; a solar eclipse, by the moon coming between the sun and the observer. A satellite is eclipsed by entering the shadow of its primary. The obscuration of a planet or star by the moon or a planet, though of the nature of an eclipse, is called an occultation. The eclipse of a small portion of the sun by Mercury or Venus is called a transit of the planet. Note: In ancient times, eclipses were, and among unenlightened people they still are, superstitiously regarded as forerunners of evil fortune, a sentiment of which occasional use is made in literature. "That fatal and perfidious bark, Built in the eclipse, and rigged with curses dark."

The loss, usually temporary or partial, of light, brilliancy, luster, honor, consciousness, etc.; obscuration; gloom; darkness. "All the posterity of our fist parents suffered a perpetual eclipse of spiritual life." "As in the soft and sweet eclipse, When soul meets soul on lovers' lips."

Annular eclipse. (Astron.) See under Annular.

Cycle of eclipses. See under Cycle.

verb

Eclipse v. t. (past & past part. eclipsed; pres. part. eclipsing)

To cause the obscuration of; to darken or hide; said of a heavenly body; as, the moon eclipses the sun.

To obscure, darken, or extinguish the beauty, luster, honor, etc., of; to sully; to cloud; to throw into the shade by surpassing. "His eclipsed state." "My joy of liberty is half eclipsed."

Eclipse v. i. To suffer an eclipse. "While the laboring moon Eclipses at their charms."

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Etymology of 'Eclipse'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Eclipse" Quotes from Famous Books

... from her seat, amid the palms embowered That shade the Lion-land, Swart AFRICA in dusky aspect towered— The fetters on her hand! Backward she saw, from out her drear eclipse, The mighty Theban years, And the deep anguish of her ...

— Graham's Magazine Vol XXXII No. 6 June 1848 • Various

... consolation to the stricken relatives as the proprieties of the occasion required, solemnly seated themselves about the room with an augmented consciousness of their importance in the scheme funereal. Then the minister came, and in that overshadowing presence the lesser lights went into eclipse. His entrance was followed by that of the widow, whose lamentations filled the room. She approached the casket and after leaning her face against the cold glass for a moment was gently led to a seat near her daughter. Mournfully ...

— Can Such Things Be? • Ambrose Bierce

... in the meridian of her glory, attracted all eyes, and commanded universal respect and admiration. The Duchess of Cleveland endeavoured to eclipse her at this fate, by a load of jewels, and by all the artificial ornaments of dress; but it was in vain: her face looked rather thin and pale, from the commencement of a third or fourth pregnancy, which the king was still pleased to place to his own account; and, ...

— The Memoirs of Count Grammont, Complete • Anthony Hamilton

... have cast their system in the mould of ritualism. Ritual, ceremony, sacrifice, professional benefit—these are their predominant interests. The priestly ceremonies are conceived to possess a magical power of their own; and the fixed laws of ritual by which these ceremonies are regulated tend to eclipse, and finally even to swallow up, the laws of moral righteousness under which the gods live. A few generations more, and the priesthood will frankly announce its ritual to be the supreme law of the universe. Meanwhile they are becoming more and more ...

— Hindu Gods And Heroes - Studies in the History of the Religion of India • Lionel D. Barnett

... through the sorrowful bewilderment that brought a brief eclipse of hope and courage, sympathy reached him like a friendly hand to uphold him till he found the light again. While speaking, she had seen the immobility that frightened her break up, and Warwick's ...

— Moods • Louisa May Alcott

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