Elliptic
Elliptic , adjective
[Greek {not transcribed}: compare French 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.
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!
2.
Having a part omitted; as, an elliptical phrase.
3.
leaving out information essential to comprehension; so concise as to be difficult to understand; obscure or ambiguous; -- of speech or writing; as, an elliptical comment.
Collocations (5)
Elliptic chuck , See under Chuck.
Elliptic compasses , an instrument arranged for drawing ellipses.
Elliptic polarization , See under Polarization.
Also: Elliptical