ecliptic
n.- (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.
- (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.
a.
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Pertaining to the ecliptic;
as, the .ecliptic way - Pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses. Lunar ecliptic limit (Astron.),
the space of 12° on the moon's orbit from the node, within which, if the moon happens to be at full, it will be eclipsed.
Solar ecliptic limit ,
the space of 17° from the lunar node, within which, if a conjunction of the sun and moon occur, the sun will be eclipsed.