eccentricity

noun

ec·​cen·​tric·​i·​ty ˌek-(ˌ)sen-ˈtri-sə-tē How to pronounce eccentricity (audio)
plural eccentricities
1
a
: the quality or state of being eccentric
b
: deviation from an established pattern or norm
especially : odd or whimsical behavior
2
a
: a mathematical constant that for a given conic section is the ratio of the distances from any point of the conic section to a focus and the corresponding directrix
b
: the eccentricity of an astronomical orbit used as a measure of its deviation from circularity

Examples of eccentricity in a Sentence

Some people weren't very tolerant of his eccentricity. Talking to her plants is one of her many eccentricities.
Recent Examples on the Web Coordinating glasses paired with a black satin jacket add to its eccentricity, without feeling over-the-top. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024 Ellen Gilchrist, a Southern writer with a sharp, sometimes indulgent eye for her region’s foibles and eccentricities, died on Jan. 30 at her home in Ocean Springs, Miss. Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024 Greta’s own love life is complicated by other antics, including her Māori mother’s secrets and her Russian father’s eccentricities. People Staff, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024 One explanation for why the ocean has appeared now is that Mimas had interactions with other moons that increased the eccentricity of its orbit and thus increased the tidal forces. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2024 One of the other delightful eccentricities of the work is that Ives uses a flute only in the final few pages. Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2024 What are their nooks and crannies and crevices, their contradictions and eccentricities and messy desires? Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2023 Adventure Time Did someone mention ''frenzied candy-colored eccentricity''? Ew Staff, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2023 More than ever this ballet, rich with emotions and eccentricities, is a living, breathing jewel. Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eccentricity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin excentricitāt-, excentricitās, from ecentricus, excentricus "not having the earth exactly at its center, eccentric entry 1" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of eccentricity was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near eccentricity

Cite this Entry

“Eccentricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eccentricity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

eccentricity

noun
ec·​cen·​tric·​i·​ty ˌek-ˌsen-ˈtris-ət-ē How to pronounce eccentricity (audio)
plural eccentricities
1
a
: the quality or state of being eccentric
b
: something that does not follow an established pattern, norm, or rule
especially : unusual behavior
2
: the amount by which a nearly circular path is not circular
an orbit's eccentricity

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