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
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
Allen’s writerly eccentricities vary from song to song.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
Filling a column with eight to 12 stories a day, and these days, even more, does not allow for excess eccentricity.
—Susan Mulcahy, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2024
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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
Allen’s writerly eccentricities vary from song to song.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
Filling a column with eight to 12 stories a day, and these days, even more, does not allow for excess eccentricity.
—Susan Mulcahy, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 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 26 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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