Elliptical

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈlɪp.tɪ.kəl/ (English)

Definitions

• Shaped like an ellipse; oval in form.
• Characterized by extreme economy of expression; concise or ambiguous in speech or writing.
• Relating to or involving ellipsis in grammar or rhetoric.

Usage Examples

• The planets follow an elliptical orbit around the sun.
• His speech was elliptical, leaving out key details intentionally.
• The writer’s elliptical style makes the novel open to interpretation.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word elleipsis (ἔλλειψις), meaning "falling short" or "omission," and from Latin ellipticus. First recorded in English usage in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Oval
• Concise
• Indirect
• Oblique

Antonyms

• Rectangular
• Verbose
• Explicit
• Direct

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ɪˈlɪp.tɪ.kəl/
• British English: /ɪˈlɪp.tɪ.kəl/

Historical Usage

The term "elliptical" was initially used in geometry to describe oval-like shapes. Later, it gained significance in literature and linguistics to describe indirect or concise expressions. In astronomy, the elliptical motion of celestial bodies was formulated by Johannes Kepler in the 17th century.

Cultural Nuances

In English writing, elliptical expressions can be seen as sophisticated or enigmatic. In science, "elliptical" is commonly used in physics, mathematics, and astronomy to describe orbits, lenses, and waveforms.

More Information

Elliptical geometry has wide applications in architecture, engineering, and physics. The concept is integral in astronomy, particularly in Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. The term is also used in elliptical training machines, which mimic a natural running motion with reduced impact on joints.