Definition

Relating to the path that the sun appears to follow across the sky throughout the year.

Example

The ecliptic is an important concept in astronomy for understanding the movement of celestial bodies.

Conversation

Have you ever studied the ecliptic in astronomy class?

Not really, but I've heard it's important for understanding the stars.

Yeah, it’s the path that the sun takes through the sky.

That sounds fascinating! I should learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The path that the sun appears to follow in the sky over the course of a year, which is also the plane of the Earth's orbit around the sun.

Example

The ecliptic is an important concept in astronomy for understanding the seasons and the positions of celestial bodies.

Conversation

Have you ever looked up at the stars and thought about the ecliptic?

I haven't really, but I've heard it's the path the sun takes through the sky.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how it changes with the seasons.

Root Explanation

Ecliptic → It is formed from "eclipse" (from Latin *eclipsare*, meaning to obscure or to darken) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "ecliptic" refers to the path of the sun across the sky, which is associated with the obscuring of light during an eclipse.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'eclipse' which means to obscure light, and remember that 'ecliptic' refers to the path related to the sun's movement, often associated with the obscuring of light.

Visually Confused Words