eclipses
/ɪˈklɪpsɪz/
NOUN
1. Astronomical obscuration
An event in which one celestial body moves into alignment with another and blocks its light or casts a shadow upon it from an observer's perspective.
1.1. Solar and lunar phenomena
Used in astronomy to describe events in which the Sun, Moon, or another celestial body is partially or completely obscured because of the alignment of astronomical objects.
Synonyms
- occultations
- obscurations
Examples
- The total solar eclipses attracted millions of skywatchers around the world.
- Astronomers predicted several lunar eclipses during the coming decade.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Decline and loss of prominence
A state or period of obscurity, deterioration, or decline in which something loses its former importance, influence, quality, or recognition.
2.1. Declining influence and reputation
Used figuratively to describe periods when individuals, institutions, movements, or civilizations lose their former prominence, reputation, or influence.
Synonyms
- declines
- downfalls
- downturns
- falls
- downslides
- wanings
- diminutions
- abatements
- decadences
- deteriorations
Antonyms
- advancements
- ascents
- increases
- gains
- flowerings
- upswings
- growths
Examples
- The political eclipses of former leaders allowed younger figures to gain influence.
- The empire experienced several periods of decline before its eventual collapse.
Related Words
- obscurity
- reputation
- prestige
- influence
- deterioration
- demise
- marginalization
NOUN
3. Omission in written language
A grammatical or typographical omission of letters, sounds, or words that would otherwise be present in a written or spoken expression.
3.1. Omission of grammatical elements
Used in linguistics and grammar to describe instances where sounds, letters, or words are omitted or altered according to grammatical conventions.
Synonyms
Examples
- The linguistic analysis examined grammatical eclipses in traditional Irish writing.
Related Words
- ellipsis
- elision
- eclipsis
- Irish grammar
- mutation
- phonology
- orthography
VERB
4. Causing astronomical obscuration
To cause an astronomical eclipse by positioning one celestial body so that it blocks the light of another.
4.1. Celestial bodies blocking light
Used when one astronomical object moves between an observer and another celestial body, temporarily obscuring its light or casting a shadow over it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- illuminates
- brightens
- reveals
- exposes
Examples
- The Moon eclipses the Sun during a total solar eclipse.
- The planet eclipses the distant star as it passes directly between the star and the observer.
Related Words
- occultation
- solar eclipse
- lunar eclipse
- celestial mechanics
- shadow
- astronomical alignment
VERB
5. Outshining and surpassing
To exceed another person or thing in ability, achievement, quality, importance, or prominence, making the other comparatively less noticeable or impressive.
5.1. Achievement and competitive superiority
Used when someone or something performs better than competitors, exceeds established standards, or achieves greater success.
Synonyms
- outperforms
- surpasses
- exceeds
- outdoes
- outclasses
- outmatches
- outcompetes
- outdistances
- outstrips
- outshines
- outpaces
- bests
- betters
- trounces
- whips
Examples
- Her talent as a vocalist eclipses that of many professional singers in the industry.
- The scale of the disaster eclipses any previous natural calamity the region has experienced.
- The new technology eclipses its predecessors in both efficiency and performance.
Related Words
- competition
- excellence
- superiority
- achievement
- accomplishment
- victory
- distinction
- performance
5.2. Popularity and public prominence
Used when a person's fame, reputation, influence, or public recognition becomes greater than that of another person or group.
Synonyms
- overshadows
- outshines
- surpasses
- outclasses
- outdistances
- outdoes
- outstrips
Examples
- The fame of the pop star eclipses that of many of her contemporaries in the music industry.
- The young actor's popularity eclipses that of several established performers.
Related Words
- fame
- celebrity
- recognition
- reputation
- prestige
- influence
- visibility
- public attention
5.3. Dominating and overwhelming others
Used when someone or something defeats, dominates, or overwhelms another so decisively that the other becomes comparatively insignificant.
Synonyms
Examples
- The championship team's performance eclipses every rival in the competition.
- The defending champions eclipse their opponents with an overwhelming victory.
Related Words
- domination
- victory
- rivalry
- competition
- defeat
- triumph
- conquest
5.4. Overshadowing and concealing significance
Used when an event, problem, or characteristic makes another thing less noticeable, important, or meaningful by dominating attention or obscuring its positive qualities.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- highlights
- reveals
- exposes
- illuminates
- showcases
- emphasizes
Examples
- The beauty of the architecture often eclipses the functionality of the building.
- The scandal eclipses the politician's previous accomplishments.
- The controversy threatens to eclipse the positive results of the investigation.
Related Words
- concealment
- visibility
- obstruction
- perception
- significance
- distraction
- suppression
VERB
6. Irish grammatical mutation
To undergo eclipsis, a grammatical process in Irish in which the initial sound of a word is modified according to specific grammatical rules.
6.1. Irish initial consonant mutation
Used in Irish linguistics when a word undergoes eclipsis, a grammatical mutation in which certain initial consonants become voiced or nasalized and vowels receive a prefixed nasal consonant.
Synonyms
- undergoes eclipsis
- undergoes mutation
Examples
- In certain grammatical constructions, the initial consonant of an Irish word eclipses according to established mutation rules.
Related Words
- Irish grammar
- eclipsis
- lenition
- initial mutation
- nasalization
- phonology
- consonant mutation