What does elliptical mean Meaning and Definition
What does elliptical mean
Pronunciation
/ɪˈlɪptɪkl/
Part of Speech
Adverb, Adjective, Noun
Definition
1. Describing or relating to an oval or egg-shaped figure. 2. Lacking a clear or direct quality; vague or ambiguous. 3. In geometry, a type of curved line or surface formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane, or the shape of a cross-section of a cylinder.
Examples
- The elliptical shape of the planet’s orbit.
- The artist’s use of elliptical brushstrokes to convey emotion.
- The company’s financial reports were filled with elliptical language, making it difficult to understand.
Synonyms
- Oval
- Egg-shaped
- Misleading
- Ambiguous
Antonyms
- Circular
- Direct
- Clear
- Straightforward
Etymology
The word “elliptical” comes from the Greek word “ἐλλειπτικός” (elliptikós), meaning “leaving out”, which is derived from the verb “ἐλλείπω” (elleípō), meaning “to leave out”. In geometry, the term “elliptical” was first used in the 17th century to describe the shape of an oval or egg-shaped figure.
Usage Notes
In everyday language, “elliptical” is often used to describe something that is vague or ambiguous. However, in more technical contexts, such as mathematics and physics, the term is used to describe specific shapes and curves.
Cultural References
The term “elliptical” has been used in various cultural and artistic contexts, including music, literature, and film. For example, the artist Salvador Dalí used elliptical shapes in his surrealist paintings.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Phrases such as “in an elliptical way” or “with elliptical language” are used to describe speech or writing that is vague or ambiguous.
Related Words or Phrases
- Oval
- Egg-shaped
- Circular
- Curved
Collocations
- Elliptical orbit
- Elliptical shape
- Elliptical motion
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, “elliptical” is a relatively uncommon word, but its usage has been increasing in recent years, particularly in technical and academic contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “elliptical” include “eliptical”, “ellaptic”, and “ellipticaly”.