clipsing

Clipsing is a term whose meaning depends on the field, and in many contexts it is not the standard name for a phenomenon. More precise terminology is used in specific disciplines: eclipsing in astronomy, clipping in electronics, and editing in media workflows.

In astronomy, the related and widely used term is eclipsing. An eclipsing binary is a pair of stars whose orbital plane lies close to the line of sight from Earth, so that stars periodically pass in front of one another. This results in characteristic dips in the system’s brightness, producing a repeating light curve. The timing and depth of eclipses allow astronomers to infer orbital periods, relative sizes, and, with additional data, stellar masses. Eclipsing binaries are classified into types such as Algol-type (EA), Beta Lyrae-type (EB), and W Ursa Majoris-type (EW), reflecting differences in eclipse shapes and light-curve continuity.

In electronics and signal processing, the standard term is clipping rather than clipsing. Clipping occurs when an amplifier or circuit is driven beyond its linear dynamic range, flattening the peaks of a waveform. This distortion can be intentional in waveform shaping or protective in limiters, and it affects harmonic content and signal fidelity.

In media production and digital editing, short video segments are called clips; the act of selecting and cutting segments is described as editing or clipping, though “clipsing” is not commonly used as a technical term. Overall, while clipsing may appear in some informal contexts, precise usage favors eclipsing in astronomy and clipping in electronics.