ecliptic /(ē̇*klĭp"tĭk)/
e·clip·tic
ecliptic
n.
- A great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23° 28′. It is the apparent path of the sun, or the real path of the earth as seen from the sun. (Astron.)
- A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23° 28′ with the equator; -- used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems. (Geog.)
Ecliptic
a.
- Pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way.
- Pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses.
Phrases & Compounds
- Lunar ecliptic limit
- the space of 12° 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° from the lunar node, within which, if a conjunction of the sun and moon occur, the sun will be eclipsed.