Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Eccentric
Ec-cen′tric
(ĕk-sĕn′trĭk)
, Adj.
1.
Deviating or departing from the center, or from the line of a circle;
as, an
; pertaining to deviation from the center or from true circular motion. eccentric
or elliptical orbit2.
Not having the same center; – said of circles, ellipses, spheres, etc., which, though coinciding, either in whole or in part, as to area or volume, have not the same center; – opposed to
concentric
. 3.
(Mach.)
Pertaining to an eccentric;
as, the
. eccentric
rod in a steam engine4.
Not coincident as to motive or end.
His own ends, which must needs be often
eccentric
to those of his master. Bacon.
5.
Deviating from stated methods, usual practice, or established forms or laws; deviating from an appointed sphere or way; departing from the usual course; irregular; anomalous; odd;
“This brave and eccentric young man.” as,
. eccentric
conductMacaulay.
He shines
eccentric
, like a comet’s blaze. Savage.
Syn. – Irregular; anomalous; singular; odd; peculiar; erratic; idiosyncratic; strange; whimsical.
Ec-cen′tric
(ĕk-sĕn′trĭk)
, Noun.
1.
A circle not having the same center as another contained in some measure within the first.
2.
One who, or that which, deviates from regularity; an anomalous or irregular person or thing.
3.
(Astron.)
(a)
In the Ptolemaic system, the supposed circular orbit of a planet about the earth, but with the earth not in its center.
(b)
A circle described about the center of an elliptical orbit, with half the major axis for radius.
Hutton.
4.
(Mach.)
A disk or wheel so arranged upon a shaft that the center of the wheel and that of the shaft do not coincide. It is used for operating valves in steam engines, and for other purposes. The motion derived is precisely that of a crank having the same throw.
Back eccentric
, the eccentric that reverses or backs the valve gear and the engine.
– Fore eccentric
, the eccentric that imparts a forward motion to the valve gear and the engine.