eclipse

¹eclipse

noun \i-ˈklips\

Definition of ECLIPSE

1

a : the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another b : the passing into the shadow of a celestial body — compare occultation, transit

2

: a falling into obscurity or decline; also : the state of being eclipsed <his reputation has fallen into eclipse>

3

: the state of being in eclipse plumage

Examples of ECLIPSE

1. an eclipse of the sun
2. The popularity of television led to the eclipse of the radio drama.
3. an artist whose reputation has long been in eclipse

Illustration of ECLIPSE

Origin of ECLIPSE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin eclipsis, from Greek ekleipsis, from ekleipein to omit, fail, suffer eclipse, from ex- + leipein to leave — more at loan

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ECLIPSE

Synonyms: decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, downgrade, ebb, decline, fall

Antonyms: ascent, rise, upswing

Related Words: dark age, nadir, sunset; decay, rotting, spoiling; breakup, crumbling, decomposition, disintegration, dissolution; abasement, debasement; depreciation, lessening; decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, destruction, havoc, ruin, ruination; abatement, decrease, decrement, de-escalation, deflation, diminishment, diminution, dip, downslide, downtrend, downturn, drop, drop-off, falloff, loss, lowering, reduction, sag, shrinkage, slip, slump

Near Antonyms: advancement, development, evolution, growth; blossoming, flourishing, flowering; renewal, restoration, revitalization; heightening; accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, enhancement, gain, increase, increment, raise, supplement

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Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith

Rhymes with ECLIPSE

ellipse, midships