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Elliptical vs Eclipse - What's the difference?

elliptical | eclipse |

In astronomy terms the difference between elliptical and eclipse

is that elliptical is an elliptical galaxy while eclipse is an alignment of astronomical objects in which 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.

As an adjective elliptical

is in a shape reminding of an ellipse; oval.

As a verb eclipse is

of astronomical bodies, to cause an eclipse.

elliptical

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • In a shape reminding of an ellipse; oval.
  • * 1876 , Edward Roth (translator), ,
    • Having admitted that the projectile was describing an orbit around the moon, this orbit must necessarily be elliptical ; science proves that it must be so.
  • Of, or showing ellipsis; having a word or words omitted.
    • If he is sometimes elliptical and obscure, it is because he has so much to tell us. --
  • (of speech) Concise, condensed.
  • * 1903 , ,
    • Browning's dark and elliptical mode of speech, like his love of the grotesque, was simply a characteristic of his, a trick of his temperament, and had little or nothing to do with whether what he was expressing was profound or superficial.
  • * early XX c. , , by O. Henry
    • He was called a tramp; but that was only an elliptical way of saying that he was a philosopher, an artist, a traveller, a naturalist and a discoverer.
  • (mathematics, rare)
  • Being flat and in the shape of a twice-symmetrical ellipse; oval.

    • Synonyms

    * elliptic

    Usage notes

    * In botanical usage, elliptic(al) refers only to the general shape of the object (usually a leaf), independently of its apex or margin (and sometimes the base), so that an "elliptic leaf" may very well be pointed at both ends. A three-dimensional elliptical object is ellipsoid, while an object that is not a perfectly stretched circle is ovoid or obovoid.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (astronomy) An elliptical galaxy
  • An elliptical trainer

    • eclipse

    English

    (wikipedia eclipse)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (astronomy) An alignment of astronomical objects in which 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.
  • A seasonal state of plumage in some birds, notably ducks, adopted temporarily after the breeding season and characterised by a dull and scruffy appearance.
  • , decline, downfall
  • * , ''A Dictionary of the English Language , Volume 2, unnumbered page,
    • All the posterity of our first parents suffered a perpetual eclipse of spiritual life.
  • * 1820', '', '''1839 , ''The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley , page 340,
    • As in the soft and sweet eclipse , / When soul meets soul on lovers' lips.
  • * 1929 , , (A House is Built) , Chapter VIII, Section ii
    • Nor were the wool prospects much better. The industry of the colony, was threatened once more with eclipse .

    Derived terms

    * lunar eclipse * solar eclipse * total eclipse

    Related terms

    * ecliptic * ecliptical

    See also

    * occultation * syzygy

    Verb

  • Of astronomical bodies, to cause an eclipse.
    • The Moon eclipsed the Sun.
  • To overshadow; to be better or more noticeable than.
    • The student’s skills soon eclipsed those of his teacher.
  • * Shakespeare
    • My joy of liberty is half eclipsed .
  • (Irish grammar) To undergo eclipsis.