eccentric

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative forms

• excentric

[edit] Etymology

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’”)

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ɪkˈsɛntrɪk/
• (US) IPA: /ɛkˈsɛntrɪk/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Adjective

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 while flexing the tricep; opening of the jaw while flexing the masseter). (Antonym: concentric)

[edit] Synonyms

• eccentrical
• excentrical
• odd

[edit] Derived terms

• eccentrically

[edit] Related terms

• central
• eccentricity

[edit] Quotations

• 1956 — Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p. 40

  Khedron was the only other person in the city who could be called eccentric.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

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.

[edit] Translations