'Ecliptic' definitions:
Definition of 'ecliptic'
(from WordNet)
noun
The great circle representing the apparent annual path of the sun; the plane of the Earth's orbit around the sun; makes an angle of about 23 degrees with the equator; "all of the planets rotate the sun in approximately the same ecliptic"
Definition of 'Ecliptic'
From: GCIDE
- Ecliptic \E*clip"tic\, a. [L. eclipticus belonging to an eclipse, Gr. 'ekleiptiko`s. See Eclipse.]
- 1. Pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses. [1913 Webster]
- Lunar ecliptic limit (Astron.), the space of 12[deg] on the moon's orbit from the node, within which, if the moon happens to be at full, it will be eclipsed.
- Solar ecliptic limit, the space of 17[deg] from the lunar node, within which, if a conjunction of the sun and moon occur, the sun will be eclipsed. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'ecliptic'
From: GCIDE
- ecliptic \e*clip"tic\ ([-e]*kl[i^]p"t[i^]k), n. [Cf. F. ['e]cliptique, L. linea ecliptica, Gr. 'ekleiptiko`s, prop. adj., of an eclipse, because in this circle eclipses of the sun and moon take place. See Ecliptic, a.]
- 1. (Astron.) A great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23[deg] 28'. It is the apparent path of the sun, or the real path of the earth as seen from the sun. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Geog.) A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23[deg] 28' with the equator; -- used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'ecliptic'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- anklet,
- aphelion,
- apogee,
- armlet,
- astronomical longitude,
- autumnal equinox,
- band,
- belt,
- bracelet,
- celestial equator,
- celestial longitude,
- celestial meridian,
- cincture,
- cingulum,
- circle,
- collar,
- collarband,
- colures,
- earring,
- equator,
- equinoctial,
- equinoctial circle,
- equinoctial colure,
- equinox,
- fascia,
- fillet,
- finger ring,
- galactic longitude,
- geocentric longitude,
- geodetic longitude,
- girdle,
- girt,
- girth,
- great circle,
- heliocentric longitude,
- hoop,
- longitude,
- meridian,
- neckband,
- necklace,
- nose ring,
- orbit,
- perigee,
- perihelion,
- period,
- quoit,
- ring,
- small circle,
- solstitial colure,
- trajectory,
- vernal equinox,
- wristband,
- wristlet,
- zodiac,
- zone