Definition

Noun: 1. A complete obscuring of one celestial body by another: A "total eclipse" is an astronomical event that occurs when one celestial body (like the Moon) moves directly between an observer and another celestial body (like the Sun), completely blocking the latter from view. This results in the eclipsed body being fully covered or "obscured."

Usage

• The term "total eclipse" is used specifically to describe the phase or type of eclipse where the obscuration is complete.
• It is most commonly used with "solar eclipse" (Sun is eclipsed) or "lunar eclipse" (Moon is eclipsed), forming the compound terms "total solar eclipse" and "total lunar eclipse."

Examples

• Noun:
  • During a total eclipse of the Sun, day can briefly turn to night.
  • We traveled to the path of totality to witness the total eclipse.
  • The total eclipse lasted for approximately four minutes.

Advanced Usage

• "In total eclipse": A phrase describing the state of being completely obscured.
  • The Moon was in total eclipse for over an hour.

Variants and Related Words

• Partial eclipse (n): An eclipse where only a part of the celestial body is obscured.
• Annular eclipse (n): A type of solar eclipse where the Moon covers the Sun's center, leaving a ring (annulus) of the Sun's visible edge.
• Eclipse (n/v): The general term for the obscuring of one celestial body by another.
• Totality (n): The period or state during a total eclipse when the eclipsed body is completely covered.

Synonyms

• Complete obscuration: (Descriptive phrase) The full blocking of light or view.

Related Phrases

• Path of totality: The geographic track on Earth's surface where a total solar eclipse is visible.
  • To see the Sun completely covered, you must be within the path of totality.

Noun

1. an eclipse as seen from a place where the eclipsed body is completely obscured