E*clip"tic (?), n. [Cf. F. 'ecliptique, L. linea ecliptica, Gr. , prop. adj., of an eclipse, because in this circle eclipses of the sun and moon take place. See Ecliptic, a.]

1. Astron.

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.

2. Geog.

A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23° 28· with the equator; -- used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.


© Webster 1913.

E*clip"tic, a. [L. eclipticus belonging to an eclipse, Gr. . See Eclipse.]


Pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way.


Pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses.

Lunar ecliptic limit Astron., 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.


© Webster 1913.