Ecliptic (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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noun
  1. Astronomy.
    • the great circle formed by the intersection of the plane of the earth's orbit with the celestial sphere; the apparent annual path of the sun in the heavens.
    • an analogous great circle on a terrestrial globe.
  2. the great circle of the ecliptic, along which are located the 12 houses and signs of the zodiac.
adjective Also e·clip·ti·cal.
  1. pertaining to an eclipse.
  2. pertaining to the ecliptic.
noun
  1. astronomy
    • the great circle on the celestial sphere representing the apparent annual path of the sun relative to the stars. It is inclined at 23.45° to the celestial equator. The poles of the ecliptic lie on the celestial sphere due north and south of the plane of the ecliptic
    • (as modifier)
  2. an equivalent great circle, opposite points of which pass through the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, on the terrestrial globe
adjective
  1. of or relating to an eclipse
    Ecliptic (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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