eccentric

/ik'sentrik/
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eccentric

An eccentric inventor built a clockwork bird that serves tea.

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.
eccentric

An eccentric inventor built a clockwork bird that serves tea.

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