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eclectic

 - 5 dictionary results

ec⋅lec⋅tic

  [i-klek-tik]
Use eclectic in a Sentence
–adjective
1. selecting or choosing from various sources.
2. made up of what is selected from different sources.
3. not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.
4. noting or pertaining to works of architecture, decoration, landscaping, etc., produced by a certain person or during a certain period, that derive from a wide range of historic styles, the style in each instance often being chosen for its fancied appropriateness to local tradition, local geography, the purpose to be served, or the cultural background of the client.
–noun
5. Also, ec⋅lec⋅ti⋅cist  [i-klek-tuh-sist] . a person who follows an eclectic method, as in philosophy or architecture.
Origin:
1675–85; < Gk eklektikós selective, equiv. to eklekt(ós) chosen, select (eklég(ein) to pick out + -tos ptp. suffix; see ec- ) + -ikos -ic

Related forms:
ec⋅lec⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To eclectic
e·clec·tic   (ĭ-klěk'tĭk)   
adj.  

  1. Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles: an eclectic taste in music; an eclectic approach to managing the economy.

  2. Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources: "a popular bar patronized by an eclectic collection of artists, writers, secretaries and aging soldiers on reserve duty" (Curtis Wilkie).

n.  One that follows an eclectic method.

[Greek eklektikos, selective, from eklektos, selected, from eklegein, to select : ek-, out; see ecto- + legein, to gather; see leg- in Indo-European roots.]
e·clec'ti·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

eclectic 
1683, from Fr. eclectique, from Gk. eklektikos "selective," lit. "picking out," from eklektos "selected," from eklegein "pick out, select," from ek "out" + legein "gather, choose" (see lecture). Originally a group of ancient philosophers who selected doctrines from every system; broader sense is first recorded 1814.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 1eclec·tic
Pronunciation: e-'klek-tik, i-
Function: adjective
1 : selecting what appears to be best in variousdoctrines or methods
2 : of, relating to, or practicing eclecticism —eclec·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb

Main Entry: 2eclectic
Function: noun
: one who uses an eclectic method or approach
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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