# elliptical

Pronunciation: say "i-LIP-ti-kuhl" US /ɪˈlɪp.tɪ.kəl/, UK /ɪˈlɪp.tɪk.əl/

## Adjective

1. Having the shape of an ellipse, or a shape close to one; oval.
   - Simple: Shaped like an oval, a circle that has been stretched out.
   - _The planets travel around the sun in elliptical orbits._
   - _The architect designed an elliptical courtyard ringed by columns._
3. Relating to or showing ellipsis, with one or more words left out.
   - Simple: Having one or more words left out.
   - _In the elliptical sentence "She ordered tea, and he coffee," the second verb is understood._
   - _Her elliptical reply, "Tomorrow," left him to supply the rest of the sentence._
4. Of speech, concise and condensed, packing a great deal into few words.
   - Simple: Using very few words to say a lot.
   - _The poet's elliptical style rewards readers who are willing to slow down._
   - _His elliptical remarks at the press conference left reporters guessing._

## Noun

2. An exercise machine; short for elliptical trainer.
   - Simple: A machine you use for exercise, also called an elliptical trainer.
   - _She switched from the treadmill to the elliptical to go easier on her knees._
   - _The hotel gym has two ellipticals and a rowing machine._
5. A galaxy with an oval, ellipse-like overall shape.
   - Simple: A huge group of stars in space, or galaxy, that is shaped like an oval.
   - _The survey classified each galaxy as a spiral, an elliptical, or an irregular._
   - _Giant ellipticals often sit near the centers of galaxy clusters._

## Adjective

6. Elliptic, in its mathematical uses, where elliptic is the more common form. *(rare)*
   - Simple: In math, the same as elliptic, which people use more often.
   - _Some security protocols rely on elliptical curves defined over finite fields._
   - _In elliptical geometry, as on the surface of a sphere, there are no parallel lines._

## Origin

From elliptic + -al, from Ancient Greek elleiptikós, from elleípō ("I leave out, omit").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/elliptical (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).