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Eccentricity

Origin: cf. F. Excentricite.

1. The state of being eccentric; deviation from the customary line of conduct; oddity.

2. (Science: mathematics) The ratio of the distance between the center and the focus of an ellipse or hyperbola to its semi-transverse axis.

3. (Science: astronomy) 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. (Science: mechanics) The distance of the center of figure of a body, as of an eccentric, from an axis about which it turns; the throw.