November 08, 2009
- eclipse (verb)
- \ih-KLIPS\
- What does it mean?
- 1 : to cause the total or partial hiding of one heavenly body by another2 a : to reduce in importance b : to do or be much better than : outshine
- How do you use it?
- Genevieve's watercolor eclipsed the other entries in the art show and easily won first prize.
- Are you a word wiz?
Today's Buzzword features "eclipse" the verb, but "eclipse" can also function as another part of speech. Which one is it?
Science fans know that "eclipse" can function as a noun. It names an astronomical event in which one heavenly body totally or partially blocks another one. You can find a diagram showing the positions of the earth, moon, and sun during solar and lunar eclipses at the entry for the noun "eclipse" in the Student Dictionary on Word Central. Language scholars believe the noun "eclipse" is older and that it traces to the Greek word "ekleipein," meaning "to omit," "to fail," or "to eclipse." The verb "eclipse" is thought to have developed from the noun.
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