# ecliptic

> English word · Noun · IPA /ɪˈklɪp.tɪk/ · frequency rank #56,082

## Definitions
1. The great circle on the celestial sphere that is the mean apparent path of the sun as viewed from the earth.
2. The plane in which this great circle lies.
3. A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin eclīptica. So named because an eclipse can occur only when the Moon lies on this plane.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ecliptic