eclipsenoun/ɪˈklɪps/

• 1

  astronomynatural-sciencesAn alignment of astronomical objects whereby one object comes between the observer (or notional observer) and another object, thus obscuring the latter.

• 2

  Especially, an alignment whereby a planetary object (for example, the Moon) comes between the Sun and another planetary object (for example, the Earth), resulting in a shadow being cast by the middle planetary object onto the other planetary object.

• 3

  biologynatural-sciencesornithologyA seasonal state of plumage in some birds, notably ducks, adopted temporarily after the breeding season and characterised by a dull and scruffy appearance.

• 4

  Obscurity, decline, downfall.

  • a. 1618, Walter Raleigh, quoted in Eclipse, entry in 1805, Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language, Volume 2, unnumbered page, All the posterity of our first parents suffered a perpetual eclipse of spiritual life.
  • As in the soft and sweet eclipse, When soul meets soul on lovers' lips.

eclipseverb/ɪˈklɪps/

• 1

  Of astronomical or atmospheric bodies, to cause an eclipse.

  • The Moon eclipsed the Sun.
  • She turned to the casement on which the moon was shining; for the high wind had driven aside the clouds, whose huge dark masses threatened soon to eclipse the pale and dim circle of passing light.
• 2

  To overshadow; to be better or more noticeable than.

  • For, till I see them here, by doubtful fear / My joy of liberty is half eclips'd.
  • [H]is ſupercilious glances grevv humbled, yea, his dazeling ſplendor (eclipſt in the ſetting [i.e., death] of his Maſter) becomes quickly darkned: […]
• 3

  grammarhuman-scienceslinguisticsTo undergo eclipsis.