the obscuration of the light of the moon by the intervention of the earth between it and the sun (lunar eclipse) or the obscuration of the light of the sun by the intervention of the moon between it and a point on the earth (solar eclipse).
b.
a similar phenomenon with respect to any other planet and either its satellite or the sun.
c.
the partial or complete interception of the light of one component of a binary star by the other.
2.
any obscuration of light.
3.
a reduction or loss of splendor, status, reputation, etc.: Scandal caused the eclipse of his career.
–verb (used with object)
4.
to cause to undergo eclipse: The moon eclipsed the sun.
5.
to make less outstanding or important by comparison; surpass: a soprano whose singing eclipsed that of her rivals.
[Origin: 1250–1300; ME eclips(e), clips < AF, OF eclipse < L eclīpsis < Gk ékleipsis, equiv. to ekleíp(ein) to leave out, forsake, fail to appear (see ec-) + -sis-sis]
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Audio Help [i-klips] Pronunciation Key noun, verb, e·clipsed, e·clips·ing.