Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Erratic?

\Er*rat"ic\, a. [L. erraticus, fr. errare to wander: cf. F. erratique. See {Err}.] 1. Having no certain course; roving about without a fixed destination; wandering; moving; -- hence, applied to the planets as distinguished from the fixed stars. The earth and each erratic world. --Blackmore. 2. Deviating from a wise of the common course in opinion or conduct; eccentric; strange; queer; as, erratic conduct. 3. Irregular; changeable. ``Erratic fever.'' --Harvey. {Erratic blocks}, {gravel, etc.} (Geol.), masses of stone which have been transported from their original resting places by the agency of water, ice, or other causes. {Erratic phenomena}, the phenomena which relate to transported materials on the earth's surface.
\Er*rat"ic\, n. 1. One who deviates from common and accepted opinions; one who is eccentric or preserve in his intellectual character. 2. A rogue. [Obs.] --Cockeram. 3. (Geol.) Any stone or material that has been borne away from its original site by natural agencies; esp., a large block or fragment of rock; a bowlder. Note: In the plural the term is applied especially to the loose gravel and stones on the earth's surface, including what is called drift.