total eclipse

noun

1. an eclipse in which the surface of the eclipsed body is completely obscured.

total eclipse

noun

1. an eclipse as seen from a particular area of the earth's surface where the eclipsed body is completely hidden Compare annular eclipse partial eclipse

total eclipse

/ tōt′l /

1. An eclipse in which the entire surface of a celestial object is obscured.
2. See more at eclipse

Word History and Origins

Origin of total eclipse¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

And by that time, she'll be even more of an expert on total eclipses.

From BBC

Earlier this month, millions of Americans looked up at the sky to witness a total eclipse.

From New York Times

The first was an unusually sharp shadow caused by a passing airplane just after the total eclipse concluded.

From New York Times

An “annulus” of bright sunlight rings the moon, but the spectacular corona isn’t visible as it would be during a total eclipse.

From Seattle Times

As much as the celestial mechanics of a total eclipse are commonly known, so are the reactions of Donald Trump when someone tries to hold him accountable for something he’s done.

From Salon