'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]

Words containing 'Ecliptic'