Eccentric Definition
eccentric
WOTD - 8 July 2006
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English
Alternative forms
- eccentrick (obsolete)
- excentric
- excentrick (obsolete)
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”)
Pronunciation
- (RP) IPA: /ɪkˈsɛntrɪk/
- (US) IPA: /ɛkˈsɛntrɪk/
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Audio (US) (file)
Adjective
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
- eccentrical
- excentrical
- odd
Derived terms
Related terms
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.
Noun
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
person who does not behave like others
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