eccentric - Dictionary definition and pronunciation - Yahoo! Education

Definition of eccentric

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eccentric
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eccentric
eccentric circles, with the center of each circle marked 		ec·cen·tric  audio  (k-sntrk, k-) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
  1. Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern. See Synonyms at strange.
  2. Deviating from a circular form or path, as in an elliptical orbit.
    1. Not situated at or in the geometric center.
    2. Having the axis located elsewhere than at the geometric center.
NOUN:
  1. One that deviates markedly from an established norm, especially a person of odd or unconventional behavior.
  2. Physics A disk or wheel having its axis of revolution displaced from its center so that it is capable of imparting reciprocating motion.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English eccentrik, planetary orbit of which the earth is not at the center, from Medieval Latin eccentricus, not having the same center, from Greek ekkentros : ek-, out of ; see ecto- + kentron, center (from kentein, to prick; see kent- in Indo-European roots)

OTHER FORMS:
ec·centri·cal·ly(Adverb)



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