Ellipse

Origin

From French ellipse.

Full definition of ellipse

Noun

1. (geometry) A closed curve, the locus of a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to two other fixed points (called the foci of the ellipse) is constant; equivalently, the conic section that is the intersection of a cone with a plane that does not intersect the base of the cone.

Synonyms

• oval (in non-technical use)

Verb

1. (grammar) To remove from a phrase a word which is grammatically needed, but which is clearly understood without having to be stated.In B's response to A's question:- (A: Would you like to go out?, B: I'd love to), the ellipsed words are go out.

Related terms

• ellipsis
• ellipsoid
• elliptic
• elliptical