Reading Theme:
Ecliptic Definition: The Sun's Annual Path
Meaning 1：sun's yearly path (ecliptic)
ecliptic
/ɪˈklɪptɪk/
n.
the imaginary path the sun appears to follow across the sky over one year, as seen from Earth.
sun's yearly path
➕
/sʌnz ˈjɪrli pæθ/
n.
The apparent path that the Sun traces across the celestial sphere over the course of a year, as observed from Earth; it is the plane of Earth's orbit projected onto the sky.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'ekleiptikos' (relating to eclipse), as eclipses occur on this path.
💡 Mnemonic
Ecliptic = Eclipse + path: Eclipses happen only on this solar track.
📖 Example
The photographer planned to capture a series of images showing how the sun's position changed along the ecliptic throughout the seasons.
The photographer planned to capture a series of images showing how the sun's position changed along the ecliptic throughout the seasons.
🔗 Collocations
follow the ecliptic – to trace the sun's apparent yearly path
along the ecliptic – positioned on that apparent path
ecliptic plane – the plane of Earth's orbit projected onto the sky
🔄 Synonyms
solar path (n.) – the apparent path of the Sun across the sky
annual solar track (n.) – the yearly path of the Sun as seen from Earth
zodiacal circle (n.) – the band of constellations through which the ecliptic passes
🌱 Derivatives
ecliptical (adj.) – relating to the ecliptic
ecliptically (adv.) – in a manner related to the ecliptic
📖 Cultural Story
Ancient Greeks named it 'ekleiptikos' because solar and lunar eclipses happen only when the Moon crosses this apparent path of the Sun.
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