English Dictionary
Definition eclipse in British English
eclipse noun
noun
/ɪˈklɪps/
1
a short period when all or part of the sun or moon becomes dark, because of the positions of the sun, moon, and earth in relation to each other. A total eclipse is when the sun or moon is completely covered. An eclipse of the sun is called a solar eclipse, and an eclipse of the moon is called a lunar eclipse.
2
a time when someone or something starts to seem less successful or important, because another person or thing has become more successful or important than they are
Example
The rise of one aristocratic family usually meant the eclipse of another.
Synonyms and related words
