Definition

1. Noun:
   • Strange and unconventional behavior: The quality of being eccentric; behavior that is odd, peculiar, or unconventional.
   • (Geometry) A measure of deviation from circularity: A parameter that determines the shape of a conic section (ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola), specifically the ratio of the distance between its foci to the length of its major axis.
   • (Technical) A state of having different centers: A circularity that has a different center or deviates from a circular path.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Behavior):
  • His eccentricity was charming to some but bewildering to others.
  • The town was known for tolerating a certain level of eccentricity among its residents.
• Noun (Geometry/Technical):
  • A circle is defined as having an eccentricity of zero.
  • The eccentricity of the planet's orbit was calculated by the astronomers.

Advanced Usage

• "Eccentricity of genius": The unconventional behavior often associated with highly creative or intelligent people.
  • The artist's eccentricity of genius was inseparable from his groundbreaking work.
• "Orbital eccentricity": A specific astronomical term describing the shape of an orbit.
  • Mercury has the greatest orbital eccentricity of all the planets in our solar system.

Variants and Related Words

• Eccentric (adj/n): (Adjective) Unconventional and slightly strange. (Noun) A person with unconventional and slightly strange behavior.
  • She has an eccentric sense of style.
  • The old inventor was considered the village eccentric.
• Eccentrically (adv): In an eccentric manner.
  • He was dressed eccentrically for the formal event.

Synonyms

• Oddity: A strange or unusual person or thing.
• Idiosyncrasy: A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual.
• Quirk: A peculiar behavioral habit.
• Deviation (for technical/geometric sense): A departure from a standard or norm.

Related Phrases

• A touch of eccentricity: A small amount of odd or unconventional behavior.
  • His grandfather had a touch of eccentricity, like collecting antique doorknobs.
• To embrace one's eccentricity: To accept and celebrate one's own unconventional nature.
  • As she grew older, she learned to embrace her eccentricity.

Related Idioms

• March to the beat of a different drum: To behave in a way that is different from the norm. (This idiom conveys a similar concept to personal eccentricity.)
  • She's always marched to the beat of a different drum, which explains her creative success.

Noun

1. a circularity that has a different center or deviates from a circular path
2. (geometry) a ratio describing the shape of a conic section; the ratio of the distance between the foci to the length of the major axis
   • a circle is an ellipse with zero eccentricity
3. strange and unconventional behavior