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
But the cases are the afterthoughts of each episode: The meat of the story is the relationship between them, and all their mundanities and eccentricities.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024
Red, a former member of the Hit Squad collective, tends to lean more toward eccentricity, with volatile exhibitions marked by cartoonish turns.
—The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for eccentricity 
Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024
Red, a former member of the Hit Squad collective, tends to lean more toward eccentricity, with volatile exhibitions marked by cartoonish turns.
—The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for eccentricity
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.
Dictionary Entries Near eccentricity
Cite this Entry
“Eccentricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eccentricity. Accessed 29 May. 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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