a great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23¡ 28'. it is the apparent path of the sun, or the real path of the earth as seen from the sun.-a great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23¡ 28' with the equator; -- used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.-pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way.-pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses.