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1. 1. The partial or complete obscuring, relative to a designated observer, of one celestial body by another.
   2. The period of time during which such an obscuration occurs.
2. A temporary or permanent dimming or cutting off of light.
3. 1. A fall into obscurity or disuse; a decline: "A composer . . . often goes into eclipse after his death and never regains popularity" (Time).
   2. A disgraceful or humiliating end; a downfall: Revelations of wrongdoing helped bring about the eclipse of the governor's career.

1. 1. To cause an eclipse of.
   2. To obscure; darken.
2. 1. To obscure or diminish in importance, fame, or reputation.
   2. To surpass; outshine: an outstanding performance that eclipsed the previous record.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin eclīpsis, from Greek ekleipsis, from ekleipein, to fail to appear, suffer an eclipse : ek-, out; see ecto- + leipein, to leave.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.