Word
elliptic
Phoneticsel·lip·tic
UK/ɪlˈɪptɪk/
Definition
adj. describing something that is shaped like an oval or a flattened circle. In math, it also describes a curve that is longer in one direction than the other.
adj. having the form of an ellipse or resembling an ellipse in shape. In a mathematical context, it describes a curve generated by the intersection of a cone with a plane that is not parallel to the base or to its side.
Examples
“The planet follows an elliptic path around the sun.”
“The architect designed the stadium with an elliptic shape to ensure every seat has a clear view of the field.”
“In celestial mechanics, the elliptic orbit of a satellite allows it to maintain a stable distance from the central body while varying its speed according to its position in the orbit.”
Examples
simple
“The planet follows an elliptic path around the sun.”
contextual
“The architect designed the stadium with an elliptic shape to ensure every seat has a clear view of the field.”
complex
“In celestial mechanics, the elliptic orbit of a satellite allows it to maintain a stable distance from the central body while varying its speed according to its position in the orbit.”
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἐλλειπτικός (elleiptikós), from ἐλλείπω (elleípō, “I leave out, omit”). By surface analysis, ellipse + -tic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/elliptic