Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective In a shape reminding of an ellipse; oval.
  • adjective Of, or showing ellipsis; having a word or words omitted.
  • adjective of speech Concise, condensed.
  • adjective mathematics, rare Alternative form of elliptic.
  • adjective Being flat and in the shape of a twice-symmetrical ellipse; oval.
  • noun astronomy An elliptical galaxy
  • noun An elliptical trainer

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of superfluous elements
  • adjective rounded like an egg

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From elliptic + -al.

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Examples

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  • The billiard sharp who any one catches,

    His doom's extremely hard--

    He's made to dwell--

    In a dungeon cell

    On a spot that's always barred.

    And there he plays extravagant matches

    In fitless finger-stalls

    On a cloth untrue

    With a twisted cue

    And elliptical billiard balls!

    -- The Mikado

    August 21, 2008