ecliptic
noun
- apparent path of the Sun on the celestial sphere
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ɪˈklɪp.tɪk/
adj
Etymology: From Middle English ecliptik, from Latin eclīpticus.
- Relating to an eclipse or the ecliptic.
noun
Etymology: Borrowed from Latin eclīptica. So named because an eclipse can occur only when the Moon lies on this plane.
- The great circle on the celestial sphere that is the mean apparent path of the sun as viewed from the earth.
- The plane in which this great circle lies.
- A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.