eclipse

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) An alignment of astronomical objects whereby one object comes between the observer (or notional observer) and another object, thus obscuring the latter.
2. (countable, uncountable) Especially, an alignment whereby a planetary object (for example, the Moon) comes between the Sun and another planetary object (for example, the Earth), resulting in a shadow being cast by the middle planetary object onto the other planetary object.
3. (countable, uncountable) A seasonal state of plumage in some birds, notably ducks, adopted temporarily after the breeding season and characterised by a dull and scruffy appearance.
4. (countable, uncountable) Obscurity, decline, downfall.

Verb

1. (transitive) Of astronomical or atmospheric bodies, to cause an eclipse.
2. (figuratively, transitive) To overshadow; to be better or more noticeable than.
3. (Irish) To undergo eclipsis.

Synonyms

overshadow

surpass

obscure

excel

hide

screen

shade

occult

beat

darken

occultation

dominate

keep out

disappearance

outshine

obscurity

exceed

extinguish

failing

lack

lunar eclipse

new moon

🌑

obfuscation

obscuration

outdo

overcloud

pull through

put to shame

shadow

slight

stave off

tide over

total eclipse

veil

west

wide

improve upon

obnubilate

swallow down

blacken out

obsuration

screen from

obscure with mist

hide from sight

live longer than

out-do

out-grow

out-leap

out-live

out-run

Translations

éclipse

eclipse

eclissi

Finsternis

eclisse

eclipse

έκλειψη

eclipsi

verduistering

eclips

Eklipse

éclipser

eclipsis

tutulma

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɪˈklɪps/

Etymology

From Old French eclipse, from Latin eclīpsis, from Ancient Greek ἔκλειψις (ékleipsis, “eclipse”), from ἐκλείπω (ekleípō, “I abandon, go missing, vanish”), from ἐκ (ek, “out”) and λείπω (leípō, “I leave behind”). Doublet of eclipsis.