the angular distance measured eastwards from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the ecliptic with the great circle passing through a celestial body and the poles of the ecliptic
Also called: ecliptic longitude
celestial longitude in American English
Astronomy
the arc of the ecliptic measured eastward from the vernal equinox to the point where the ecliptic is intersected by the great circle through the star, planet, etc. and the poles of the ecliptic