eclipsing variable

noun, Astronomy
1.
a variable star whose changes in brightness are caused by periodic eclipses of two stars in a binary system.
Also called eclipsing binary.
Origin
1920-25; eclipse + -ing2
British Dictionary definitions for eclipsing binary

eclipsing binary

noun
1.
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
eclipsing binary in Science
eclipsing binary
  (ĭ-klĭp'sĭng)   
See under binary star.