Eclipse

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪˈklɪps/

Definitions

1. (Noun) The partial or complete obscuring of one celestial body by another, such as a solar or lunar eclipse.
2. (Noun) A loss of significance, power, or prominence in comparison to another person or thing.
3. (Verb) To obscure, surpass, or overshadow something in importance, power, or fame.

Usage Examples

• "The total solar eclipse was visible from several countries."
• "The rise of digital media has led to the eclipse of traditional newspapers."
• "His performance eclipsed all previous records."

Etymology

Derived from the Old French éclipse, from Latin eclipsis, from Greek ékleipsis (ἔκλειψις), meaning 'a forsaking, abandonment, or disappearance.'

Synonyms

• Obscuration
• Occlusion
• Surpass
• Outshine
• Overshadow

Antonyms

• Revelation
• Emergence
• Ascendancy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ɪˈklɪps/
• American English: /ɪˈklɪps/
• Australian English: /ɪˈklɪps/

Historical Usage

The concept of an eclipse has been significant in many ancient civilizations. Early astronomers in Babylon, China, and Greece documented and predicted eclipses with remarkable accuracy. Many cultures viewed eclipses as omens or supernatural events.

Cultural Nuances

In many mythologies, eclipses were believed to be caused by celestial creatures devouring the Sun or Moon. For instance, in Hindu mythology, Rahu and Ketu are believed to be responsible for eclipses. In Norse mythology, wolves are said to chase and occasionally catch the Sun or Moon, causing an eclipse.

More Information

There are several types of eclipses, including solar, lunar, and annular eclipses. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. Eclipses have played an essential role in scientific discoveries, such as confirming Einstein’s theory of general relativity during the 1919 solar eclipse.