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

• crotchet
• curiosity
• erraticism
• idiosyncrasy
• individualism
• kink
• mannerism
• oddity
• peculiarity
• quiddity
• quip
• quirk
• singularity
• tic
• trick
• twist

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

At the Dorian, the digital picture of Dorian Grey adds some of Oscar Wilde’s eccentricity to the otherwise standard hotel experience. —Carolyn B. Heller, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2024

But despite their eccentricities, the Coopers also feel incredibly relatable and real. —Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 15 June 2024

That desire was not always distinguishable from gossip, and certainly not free of judgment, but was expressed in an openness to the eccentricities of others as a source of danger, delight, and revelation. —Nicholas Dames, The Atlantic, 14 June 2024

Advertisement Walton had battled cancer after winning two NBA titles, two NCAA championships, and the hearts of fans captivated by the energy and eccentricity displayed during his 22 years as an NBA and later college basketball television analyst. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2024

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

Kids 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