ecliptic

Meanings

Plural: ecliptics

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"
• 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.

Adj

• Relating to an eclipse or the ecliptic.

Synonyms

ecliptic plane, ecliptical, plane of the ecliptic