Nearby Words
adjective
1.
deviating from the recognized or customary character, practice, etc.; irregular; erratic; peculiar; odd: eccentric conduct; an eccentric person.
2.
Geometry. not having the same center; not concentric: used especially of two circles or spheres at least one of which contains the centers of both.
3.
(of an axis, axle, etc.) not situated in the center.
4.
Machinery. having the axis or support away from the center: an eccentric wheel.
5.
Astronomy. deviating from a circular form, as an elliptic orbit.
noun
6.
a person who has an unusual, peculiar, or odd personality, set of beliefs, or behavior pattern.
7.
something that is unusual, peculiar, or odd.
8.
Machinery. a device for converting circular motion into rectilinear motion, consisting of a disk fixed somewhat off-center to a revolving shaft, and working freely in a surrounding collar (eccentric strap), to which a rod (eccentric rod) is attached.
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Eccentrics
is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
Also, especially British, excentric.
Origin:
1350–1400; < Medieval Latin eccentricus < Greek ékkentr(os) out of center (see ec-, center) + Latin -icus -ic
1350–1400; < Medieval Latin eccentricus < Greek ékkentr(os) out of center (see ec-, center) + Latin -icus -ic
Related forms
ec·cen·tri·cal, adjective
ec·cen·tri·cal·ly, adverb
non·ec·cen·tric, adjective
non·ec·cen·tri·cal·ly, adverb
un·ec·cen·tric, adjective
EXPANDun·ec·cen·tri·cal·ly, adverb
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. strange, weird, bizarre.
1. strange, weird, bizarre.
Antonyms
1. normal, regular, ordinary, customary, conventional.
1. normal, regular, ordinary, customary, conventional.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To eccentrics
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
eccentric
late 14c. as a term in Ptolemaic astronomy, from M.L. eccentricus, from Gk. ekkentros "out of the center" (as opposed to concentric), from ek "out" + kentron "center" (see center). Figurative sense of "odd, whimsical" (adj.) first recorded 1680s. Noun meaning person with
EXPAND such qualities first attested 1832.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
eccentric ec·cen·tric (ĭk-sěn'trĭk, ěk-)
adj.
Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern.
Situated or proceeding away from the center.
A person of odd or unconventional behavior.
ec'cen·tric'i·ty (ěk'sěn-trĭs'ĭ-tē) n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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