Pronunciation: [ɪklˈɪpsɪs] (IPA) 
The word "eclipsis" is spelled with six letters in total. Its pronunciation follows the IPA phonetic transcription /ɛˈklɪpsɪs/. The first sound /ɛ/ is pronounced like "eh", followed by the "k" sound /k/. The third sound is "l" /l/, which is followed by "ih" /ɪ/. The "p" sound /p/ is next, and lastly, "s" /s/ concludes the word. Eclipsis refers to the gradual fading away of a sound at the end of a word.
Eclipsis is a simplified form of elision that refers to the omission, suppression, or weakening of a sound or syllable at the beginning of a word. It is a linguistic phenomenon that frequently occurs in certain language variations or dialects, typically due to changes in pronunciation patterns or as a result of regular phonetic processes.
Eclipsis is commonly observed in Celtic languages, particularly Irish and Scottish Gaelic, where it primarily affects the initial consonant of a word when preceded by certain grammatical elements. In this context, it often involves the consonant being replaced or modified by another sound, usually a nasal or a voiced consonant. For instance, in Irish Gaelic, the word "gorta" meaning "hunger" is eclipsed to "ngorta" when preceded by the definite article "an."
The process of eclipsis is often used to mark grammatical or syntactic relationships between words or as a means of codifying specific language rules. It can have significant implications for phonological changes within a language, potentially affecting the overall pronunciation and phonetic structure. Eclipsis is a phonetic contraction that arises from the natural evolution and variation of a language over time, contributing to its unique characteristics and regional variations.
In summary, eclipsis is a phonological phenomenon characterized by the omission or modification of a sound or syllable at the beginning of a word, frequently observed in Celtic languages, particularly Irish and Scottish Gaelic.
The word "eclipsis" comes from the Latin word "eclipsis", which in turn derives from the Greek word "ekleipsis". Both Latin and Greek words have the same meaning, which is "an eclipse" or "an omission". The Greek word "ekleipsis" is formed by combining the prefix "ek" (meaning "out" or "away") with the noun "leipsis" (meaning "a leaving" or "a failing"). Therefore, "eclipsis" ultimately refers to the concept of something being obscured, hidden, or partially omitted.
