Hypertext Webster Gateway: "elliptic"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Elliptic \El*lip"tic\, Elliptical \El*lip"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ?:
cf. F. elliptique. See {Ellipsis}.]
1. Of or pertaining to an ellipse; having the form of an
ellipse; oblong, with rounded ends.
The planets move in elliptic orbits. --Cheyne.
2. Having a part omitted; as, an elliptical phrase.
{Elliptic chuck}. See under {Chuck}.
{Elliptic compasses}, an instrument arranged for drawing
ellipses.
{Elliptic function}. (Math.) See {Function}.
{Elliptic integral}. (Math.) See {Integral}.
{Elliptic polarization}. See under {Polarization}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
elliptic
adj 1: containing or characterized by ellipsis; "the clause of
comparison is often elliptical"- G.O.Curme [syn: {elliptical}]
2: of a leaf shape; in the form of an ellipse
3: rounded like an egg [syn: {egg-shaped}, {elliptical}, {oval},
{ovate}, {oviform}, {ovoid}, {prolate}]
4: characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission
of superfluous elements; "the dialogue is elliptic and
full of dark hints"; "the explanation was concise, even
elliptical to the verge of obscurity"- H.O.Taylor [syn: {elliptical}]
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