eclipsing variable

noun

variants or less commonly eclipsing double star or eclipsing binary
: a binary star in which the orbit plane lies near the line of sight so that one or both of the stars may eclipse the other as they revolve and produce rhythmic fluctuations in the total light of the system

Word History

Etymology

eclipsing from present participle of eclipse entry 2

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Dictionary Entries Near eclipsing variable

eclipse year

eclipsing variable

eclipsis

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“Eclipsing variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eclipsing%20variable. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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