elliptical

Everyday

1. (maths) Shaped like an ellipse, a stretched circle or oval, as in «an elliptical orbit». tree →
2. (language) Leaving out words that the listener can guess, as in «Coming?» instead of «Are you coming?». tree →
3. Said in a way that is hard to understand because it is not direct. tree →
4. (US, noun) An exercise machine where you move your legs in an oval path. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, planets move around the Sun in elliptical (oval) orbits, not perfect circles. In maths, an ellipse is a curved closed shape like a squashed circle. In English grammar, «ellipsis» is leaving words out, and «…» is also called an ellipsis.

Examples

• Earth travels around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. tree →
• The running track is elliptical. tree →
• We drew an elliptical shape using two pins and a loop of string. tree →
• «Ready?» is an elliptical way of saying «Are you ready?» tree →
• His answer was so elliptical that no one understood it. tree →
• Mum uses the elliptical at the gym. tree →

Note

Also «elliptic» in higher maths. Noun «ellipse» (the shape) and «ellipsis» (missing words, or «…»). Earth's orbit is only slightly elliptical, so it is very close to a circle; seasons are caused by Earth's tilt, not its distance from the Sun.