ɪˈklɪps n. & v. --n. 1
the obscuring of the reflected
light from one celestial body by the passage of
another between it
and the
eye or between it and
its source of illumination. 2 a
deprivation of light or the
period of
this. 3 a
rapid or
sudden loss of
importance or
prominence,
esp. in
relation to another or a newly-arrived
person or
thing. --v.tr. 1 (of a celestial body)
obscure the light from or to (another). 2
intercept (light, esp. of a lighthouse). 3
deprive of prominence or importance;
outshine,
surpass. øin eclipse 1 surpassed; in
decline. 2 (of a bird) having
lost its courting
plumage. øøeclipser n. [ME f. OF f. L f. Gk ekleipsis f. ekleipo
fail to
appear, be eclipsed f. leipo leave]