Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not having a common center; not concentric: Describes geometric shapes, especially circles, that do not share the same center point.
   • Conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual: Describes a person, their behavior, or their style that deviates markedly from what is ordinary, normal, or expected, often in a whimsical or peculiar way.

2. Noun:

   • A person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities): Refers to an individual whose personality, habits, or appearance are noticeably odd or unconventional.
   • A person with an unusual or odd personality: A more specific definition focusing on the character of the individual.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The astronomer studied the orbits of the eccentric planets. (Referring to non-concentric orbits.)
  • She was known for her eccentric taste in fashion, often wearing mismatched patterns. (Referring to unconventional style.)
  • His eccentric habit of collecting only green objects fascinated his neighbors. (Referring to unusual behavior.)

• Noun:

  • The old inventor was a beloved eccentric in our town.
  • Many geniuses throughout history have been considered eccentrics.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Mechanical Context: In engineering, "eccentric" can refer to a disk or wheel mounted off-center on a shaft to convert rotary motion into reciprocating motion. (Note: This is a related compound/noun use, not the core adjective).
  • The machine uses an eccentric cam to control the valve timing.

Variants and Related Words

• Eccentricity (n): The quality of being eccentric; an eccentric act or habit.
  • His main eccentricity was talking to his plants every morning.
• Eccentrically (adv): In an eccentric manner.
  • She dressed eccentrically but with great confidence.

Synonyms

• Adjective (for unconventional): Unconventional, bizarre, odd, quirky, peculiar, idiosyncratic, outlandish.
• Noun: Oddball, character, nonconformist, original, maverick.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Conventional, normal, ordinary, standard, mainstream.
• Noun: Conformist.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Eccentric to the core: Completely and fundamentally eccentric.
  • The artist was eccentric to the core, living in a house shaped like a shoe.

Adjective

1. not having a common center; not concentric
   • eccentric circles
2. conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
   • restaurants of bizarre design--one like a hat, another like a rabbit
   • famed for his eccentric spelling
   • a freakish combination of styles
   • his off-the-wall antics
   • the outlandish clothes of teenagers
   • outre and affected stage antics

Noun

1. a person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities)
   • a real character
   • a strange character
   • a friendly eccentric
   • the capable type
   • a mental case
2. a person with an unusual or odd personality