ecliptic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the great circle representing the apparent annual path of the sun; the plane of the Earth's orbit around the sun; makes an angle of about 23 degrees with the equator
    • all of the planets rotate the sun in approximately the same ecliptic

WordNet

E*clip"tic noun
Etymology
Cf. F. écliptique, L. linea ecliptica, Gr. , prop. adj., of an eclipse, because in this circle eclipses of the sun and moon take place. See Ecliptic, a.
Definitions
  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.
E*clip"tic adjective
Etymology
L. eclipticus belonging to an eclipse, Gr. . See Eclipse.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way.
  2. Pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses.

Webster 1913