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Eclipsing

Eclipsing

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e·clipse     (ĭ-klĭps')   

n.  

    1. The partial or complete obscuring, relative to a designated observer, of one celestial body by another.

    2. The period of time during which such an obscuration occurs.

    3. A fall into obscurity or disuse; a decline: "A composer . . . often goes into eclipse after his death and never regains popularity" (Time).

    4. A disgraceful or humiliating end; a downfall: Revelations of wrongdoing helped bring about the eclipse of the governor's career.

  2. A temporary or permanent dimming or cutting off of light.

    1. A fall into obscurity or disuse; a decline: "A composer . . . often goes into eclipse after his death and never regains popularity" (Time).

    2. A disgraceful or humiliating end; a downfall: Revelations of wrongdoing helped bring about the eclipse of the governor's career.

tr.v.   e·clipsed, e·clips·ing, e·clips·es

    1. To cause an eclipse of.

    2. To obscure; darken.

    3. To obscure or diminish in importance, fame, or reputation.

    4. To surpass; outshine: an outstanding performance that eclipsed the previous record.

    1. To obscure or diminish in importance, fame, or reputation.

    2. To surpass; outshine: an outstanding performance that eclipsed the previous record.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin eclīpsis, from Greek ekleipsis, from ekleipein, to fail to appear, suffer an eclipse : ek-, out; see ecto- + leipein, to leave; see leikw- in Indo-European roots.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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