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Webster 1913 Edition

Eccentricity

Ecˊcen-tric′i-ty

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Eccentricities
(#)
.
[Cf. F.
excentricité
.]
1.
The state of being eccentric; deviation from the customary line of conduct; oddity.
2.
(Math.)
The ratio of the distance between the center and the focus of an ellipse or hyperbola to its semi-transverse axis.
3.
(Astron.)
The ratio of the distance of the center of the orbit of a heavenly body from the center of the body round which it revolves to the semi-transverse axis of the orbit.
4.
(Mech.)
The distance of the center of figure of a body, as of an eccentric, from an axis about which it turns; the throw.

Webster 1828 Edition

Eccentricity

ECCENTRIC'ITY

,
Noun.
Deviation from a center.
1.
The state of having a center different from that of another circle.
2.
In astronomy, the distance of the center of a planet's orbit from the center of the sun; that is, the distance between the center of an ellipsis and its focus.
3.
Departure or deviation from that which is stated, regular or usual; as the eccentricity of a man's genius or conduct.
4.
Excursion from the proper sphere.

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