Eccentric

Eccentric
Eccentric Ec*cen"tric ([e^]k*s[e^]n"tr[i^]k), n. 1. A circle not having the same center as another contained in some measure within the first. [1913 Webster]

2. One who, or that which, deviates from regularity; an anomalous or irregular person or thing. [1913 Webster]

3. (Astron.) (a) In the Ptolemaic system, the supposed circular orbit of a planet about the earth, but with the earth not in its center. (b) A circle described about the center of an elliptical orbit, with half the major axis for radius. --Hutton. [1913 Webster]

4. (Mach.) A disk or wheel so arranged upon a shaft that the center of the wheel and that of the shaft do not coincide. It is used for operating valves in steam engines, and for other purposes. The motion derived is precisely that of a crank having the same throw. [1913 Webster]

{Back eccentric}, the eccentric that reverses or backs the valve gear and the engine.

{Fore eccentric}, the eccentric that imparts a forward motion to the valve gear and the engine. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Eccentric — Ec*cen tric ([e^]k*s[e^]n tr[i^]k), a. [F. excentrique, formerly also spelled eccentrique, fr. LL. eccentros out of the center, eccentric, Gr. e kkentros; ek out of + ke ntron center. See {Ex }, and {Center}, and cf. {Excentral}.] 1. Deviating or …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • eccentric — [ek sen′trik, iksen′trik] adj. [ME eccentrik < ML eccentricus < LL eccentros, out of the center, eccentric < Gr ekkentros < ek , out of (see EX 1) + kentron, CENTER] 1. not having the same center, as two circles one inside the other:… …   English World dictionary

  • eccentric — early 15c. (n.) eccentric circle or orbit, 1550s (adj.), originally a term in Ptolemaic astronomy, circle or orbit not having the Earth precisely at its center, from M.Fr. eccentrique and directly from M.L. eccentricus (n. and adj.), from Gk.… …   Etymology dictionary

  • eccentric — [adj] bizarre, unusual aberrant, abnormal, anomalous, beat*, bent*, bizarre, capricious, characteristic, cockeyed, crazy, curious, droll, erratic, far out*, flaky, freak, freakish, funky*, funny, idiosyncratic, irregular, kooky, nutty, odd,… …   New thesaurus

  • eccentric — ► ADJECTIVE 1) unconventional and slightly strange. 2) technical not placed centrally or not having its axis placed centrally. 3) technical (of an orbit) not circular, especially to a marked degree. ► NOUN 1) an eccentric person. 2) a cam or… …   English terms dictionary

  • eccentric — I adjective aberrant, anomalous, bizarre, contrary, curious, departing from the usual course, deviant, deviating, deviative, different, differing, divergent, erratic, extraordinary, idiosyncratic, independent, individual, inusitatus, irregular,… …   Law dictionary

  • eccentric — erratic, odd, queer, peculiar, *strange, singular, unique, quaint, outlandish, curious Analogous words: *abnormal, atypical, aberrant: *irregular, anomalous, unnatural: *exceptional, exceptionable: *fantastic, bizarre, grotesque Contrasted …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • eccentric — 01. My neighbor is an [eccentric] old lady who has over 20 cats. 02. They are an [eccentric] couple who dress in funny old clothes, and are always laughing about something. 03. His [eccentric] views have gotten him in trouble a number of times.… …   Grammatical examples in English

  • eccentric — I UK [ɪkˈsentrɪk] / US adjective a) someone who is eccentric often behaves in slightly strange or unusual ways She s regarded as being rather eccentric. an eccentric, difficult genius b) used about actions, decisions, or things that people make… …   English dictionary

  • eccentric — ec|cen|tric1 [ ık sentrık ] adjective someone who is eccentric often behaves in slightly strange or unusual ways: an eccentric, difficult genius She s regarded as being rather eccentric. a. used about actions, decisions, or things that people… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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