eccentricity
noun
ec·cen·tric·i·ty
ˌek-(ˌ)sen-ˈtri-sə-tē 
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
Synonyms
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
To explain these eccentricities, astronomers have proposed the existence of a ninth large planet, with a mass of Mars or bigger, lurking in the dark out there.
—
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2024
Modern movie stars have lost those vocal eccentricities that used to be more common on the big screen in favor of a broadcast-news-style ubiquity.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 July 2024
Medium aside, one thing remains consistent: Campbell’s eccentricities are palpable but never alienating.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2024
Alonge captured the eccentricity of Nigeria’s earliest social and political class in the 1970s.
—Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for eccentricity 
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Michael Irving, New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2024
Modern movie stars have lost those vocal eccentricities that used to be more common on the big screen in favor of a broadcast-news-style ubiquity.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 July 2024
Medium aside, one thing remains consistent: Campbell’s eccentricities are palpable but never alienating.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2024
Alonge captured the eccentricity of Nigeria’s earliest social and political class in the 1970s.
—Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for eccentricity
Dictionary Entries Near eccentricity
Cite this Entry
“Eccentricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eccentricity. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
eccentricity
noun
ec·cen·tric·i·ty
ˌek-ˌsen-ˈtris-ət-ē
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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