eclipse

 
Pronunciation: /ɪˈklɪps/

noun

  • 1an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination: an eclipse of the sun
  • a loss of significance or power in relation to another person or thing: the election result marked the eclipse of the traditional right
  • 2 Ornithology a phase during which the distinctive markings of a bird (especially a male duck) are obscured by moulting of the breeding plumage: [as modifier]: eclipse plumage

verb

[with object]
  • (of a celestial body) obscure the light from or to (another celestial body): Jupiter was eclipsed by the Moon
  • deprive (someone or something) of significance or power: the economy has eclipsed the environment as the main issue
  • literary obscure or block out (light): a sea of blue sky violently eclipsed by showers

Phrases

in eclipse

  • 1losing or having lost significance or power: his political power was in eclipse
  • 2 Ornithology (especially of a male duck) in its eclipse plumage: almost all the garganeys which reach Australia are in eclipse

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French e(s)clipse (noun), eclipser (verb), via Latin from Greek ekleipsis, from ekleipein 'fail to appear, be eclipsed', from ek 'out' + leipein 'to leave'