erratic

Synonyms

Antonyms

Er*rat"ic, a. Etym: [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.) Defn: 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.