Definify.com
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.
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.