eccentric

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Contents

English [edit]

Alternative forms [edit]

Etymology [edit]

From Latin eccentricus, from Ancient Greek ἔκκεντρος (ekkentros, not having the earth as the center of an orbit), from ἐκ (ek, out) + κέντρον (kentron, point)

Pronunciation [edit]

  • (RP) IPA: /ɪkˈsɛntrɪk/
  • (US) IPA: /ɛkˈsɛntrɪk/
  • (file)

Adjective [edit]

eccentric (comparative more eccentric, superlative most eccentric)

  1. not at or in the centre.
  2. not perfectly circular.
    an eccentric or elliptical orbit
  3. having a different center.
  4. (of a person) deviating from the norm; behaving unexpectedly or differently.
    "The recluse has become really eccentric over the years."
  5. (physiology) (of a motion) against or in the opposite direction of contraction of a muscle. (E.g. flexion of the lower arm (bending of the elbow joint) by an external force while contracting the triceps and other elbow extensor muscles to control that movement; opening of the jaw while flexing the masseter).
    Antonym: concentric. Both concentric and eccentric are collectively referred to as isotonic, the antonym of which is isometric.

Synonyms [edit]

Derived terms [edit]

Related terms [edit]

Quotations [edit]

  • 1956Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p. 40
    Khedron was the only other person in the city who could be called eccentric.

Translations [edit]

Noun [edit]

eccentric (plural eccentrics)

  1. One who does not behave like others.
  2. A disk or wheel with its axis off centre, giving a reciprocating motion.
  3. (slang) A kook.

Translations [edit]