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e·clipse  (i-klips)
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Tweet n. 1. a. The partial or complete obscuring, relative to a designated observer, of one celestial body by another. b. The period of time during which such an obscuration occurs. 2. A temporary or permanent dimming or cutting off of light. 3. a. A fall into obscurity or disuse; a decline:"A composer ... often goes into eclipse after his death and never regains popularity"(Time). b. A disgraceful or humiliating end; a downfall:Revelations of wrongdoing helped bring about the eclipse of the governor's career. tr.v.e·clipsed, e·clips·ing, e·clips·es 1. a. To cause an eclipse of. b. To obscure; darken. 2. a. To obscure or diminish in importance, fame, or reputation. b. To surpass; outshine:an outstanding performance that eclipsed the previous record. [Middle English, fromOld French, fromLatineclipsis, fromGreekekleipsis, fromekleipein, to fail to appear, suffer an eclipse : ek-, out; see ECTO– + leipein, to leave; see leikw- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) eclipsesolar eclipse |
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