E‐clip″tic (ē̍‐klĭp″tĭk), n. [Cf. F. écliptique, L. linea ecliptica, Gr. εκλειπτικὄσ, prop. adj., of an eclipse, because in this circle eclipses of the sun and moon take place. See Ecliptic, a.] 1. (Astron.) A great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23° 28′. It is the apparent path of the sun, or the real path of the earth as seen from the sun.
2. (Geog.) A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23° 28′ with the equator; — used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.