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eclipse
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eclipse
solar eclipse 		e·clipse  audio  (-klps) KEY 

NOUN:
    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.
  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.
TRANSITIVE VERB:
e·clipsed, e·clips·ing, e·clips·es
    1. To cause an eclipse of.
    2. To obscure; darken.
    1. To obscure or diminish in importance, fame, or reputation.
    2. To surpass; outshine: an outstanding performance that eclipsed the previous record.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin eclpsis, 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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