eclipsing binary

American

[i-klip-sing bahy-nuh-ree] / ɪˈklɪp sɪŋ ˈbaɪ nə ri /

noun

Astronomy. a binary star with temporary decreases in apparent brightness due to the distinct orbits of its two component stars, which periodically pass each other, with one eclipsing the other.

eclipsing binary British

noun

a binary star whose orbital plane lies in or near the line of sight so that one component is regularly eclipsed by its companion See also variable star

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

eclipsing binary Scientific

/ ĭ-klĭp′sĭng /

See under binary star

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many false signals can mimic planets, including eclipsing binary stars.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

Kepler also identified around 3,000 eclipsing binary systems, where one star periodically passes in front of the other.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Dan Bruton at Austin State University has created this collection of animations, articles, and links showing how astronomers use eclipsing binary light curves.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

You are able to take spectra of both stars in an eclipsing binary system.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

It is virtually certain that RR Centauri is a case of an eclipsing binary system, and that the two stars are close together.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023