Definition of Elliptical

1. Adjective. Rounded like an egg.

Exact synonyms: Egg-shaped, Elliptic, Oval, Oval-shaped, Ovate, Oviform, Ovoid, Prolate
Similar to: Rounded
Derivative terms: Ellipse, Ellipticity, Ellipse, Oval, Ovoid

2. Adjective. Characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of superfluous elements. "The explanation was concise, even elliptical to the verge of obscurity"
Exact synonyms: Elliptic
Similar to: Concise

Definition of Elliptical

1. Adjective. In a shape reminding of an ellipse; oval. ¹

2. Adjective. Of, or showing ellipsis; having a word or words omitted. ¹

3. Adjective. (context: of speech) Concise, condensed. ¹

4. Adjective. (mathematics rare) (alternative form of elliptic) ¹

5. Noun. (astronomy) An elliptical galaxy ¹

6. Noun. An elliptical trainer ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Elliptical

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Elliptical

1. 1. Of or pertaining to an ellipse; having the form of an ellipse; oblong, with rounded ends. "The planets move in elliptic orbits." (Cheyne) 2. Having a part omitted; as, an elliptical phrase. Elliptic chuck. See Chuck. Elliptic compasses, an instrument arranged for drawing ellipses. Elliptic function. See Integral. Elliptic polarization. See Polarization. Origin: Gr., cf. F. Elliptique. See Ellipsis. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Elliptical

ellipsoidally
ellipsoids
ellipsometer
ellipsometers
ellipsometric
ellipsometry
ellipsosome
ellipt
elliptic
elliptic-lanceolate
elliptic curve
elliptic function
elliptic functions
elliptic geometry
elliptic leaf
elliptical (current term)
elliptical amputation
elliptical anastomosis
elliptical galaxies
elliptical galaxy
elliptical recess
elliptically
ellipticals
ellipticine
ellipticines
ellipticities
ellipticity
elliptization
elliptizations
elliptocytary anaemia

Literary usage of Elliptical

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Physical Optics by Robert Williams Wood (1914)
"Determination of the Constants of elliptical Polarization. — When the elliptical polarization is produced by a quarter-wave plate we can calculate the ..."

2. History of the Inductive Sciences, from the Earliest to the Present Time by William Whewell (1894)
"elliptical Polarization in Quartz.—We now come to one of the few additions to ... Although circular and elliptical polarization can be clearly conceived, ..."

3. History of the Inductive Sciences from the Earliest to the Present Time by William Whewell (1857)
"RECEPTION, VERIFICATION, AND EXTENSION OF THE elliptical THEORY. Sect. i.—Application of the elliptical Theory to the Planets. THE extension of Kepler's ..."

4. Gray's School and Field Book of Botany: Consisting of "First Lessons in by Asa Gray (1880)
"elliptical (Fig. 88) is oblong with a flowing outline, the two ends alike in width. Oval is the same as broadly elliptical, or elliptical with the breadth ..."

5. Treatise on Optics by David Brewster, Alexander Dallas Bache (1854)
"On elliptical Polarization. (130.) THE action of metals upon light has always presented a troublesome anomaly to the philosopher. Malus at first announced ..."

6. On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences by Mary Somerville (1840)
"UNDISTURBED OR elliptical ORBITS. GREAT INCLINATION OF THE ORBITS OF THE NEW ... A PLANET moves in its elliptical orbit with a velocity varying every ..."

7. English Botany; Or, Coloured Figures of British Plants, with Their Essential ...by Sir James Edward Smith, James Sowerby by Sir James Edward Smith, James Sowerby (1802)
"Capsule elliptical, contracted at the mouth, erect. Lid pointed, straight. SYN. Dicranum ellipticum. Sm. Fl. Brit. 1213. Turn. Muse. Hib. 76. /. 6./. 2. ..."

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