ellipse
Translation
ellipse, oval
Examples
The Earth's orbit is an ellipse.
The Earth's orbit is an ellipse.
The three dots represent an ellipse in the text.
The three dots represent an ellipse in the text.
Grammar Patterns
((an)) ellipse (a type of oval shape) The Earth's orbit is an ellipse.
Similar Words
Synonyms: oval (shape), omission (grammar); Antonyms: none
Etymology
From Greek 'elleipsis' (a falling short), as the conic section 'falls short' of a circle. The grammatical sense refers to a 'falling short' of words.
Memory Tips
Think of a solar 'eclipse'; its path is an 'ellipse'. For grammar, it's a 'clip' or omission of words.