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excentric

 - 4 dictionary results

ec⋅cen⋅tric

[ik-sen-trik, ek-]
–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 esp. 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.
Also, especially British, excentric.


Origin:
1350–1400; < ML eccentricus < Gk ékkentr(os) out of center (see ec-, center ) + L -icus -ic


ec⋅cen⋅tri⋅cal, adjective
ec⋅cen⋅tri⋅cal⋅ly, adverb


1. strange, weird, bizarre.


1. normal, regular, ordinary, customary, conventional.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

eccentric 
1398 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 1685. Noun meaning person with such qualities first attested 1832.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 2eccentric
Function: noun
: an eccentric individual
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

eccentric ec·cen·tric (ĭk-sěn'trĭk, ěk-)
adj.

  1. Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern.

  2. Situated or proceeding away from the center.

n.
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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