eccentric
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
- eccentrick (obsolete)
- excentric
- excentrick (obsolete)
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]
Adjective [edit]
eccentric (comparative more eccentric, superlative most eccentric)
- not at or in the centre.
- not perfectly circular.
- an eccentric or elliptical orbit
- having a different center.
- (of a person) deviating from the norm; behaving unexpectedly or differently.
- "The recluse has become really eccentric over the years."
- (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]
- 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.
Translations [edit]
not at or in the centre
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not perfectly circular
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having a different center
deviating from the norm
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(physiology) (of a motion) against or in the opposite direction of contraction of a muscle
Noun [edit]
eccentric (plural eccentrics)
- One who does not behave like others.
- A disk or wheel with its axis off centre, giving a reciprocating motion.
- (slang) A kook.
Translations [edit]
person who does not behave like others
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off-centre wheel
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