elliptical

Shaped like a circle that has been stretched in one direction.

• The mirror has an elliptical shape.
• The planet follows an elliptical orbit around its star.
• They built an elliptical track for the runners.

Similar words: oval, ellipse-shaped

Common phrases: an elliptical orbit, an elliptical shape, an elliptical path

Expressing something very briefly, with some of the meaning left for the reader or listener to work out.

• Her reply was brief and elliptical.
• The novel's elliptical style requires careful reading.
• His elliptical remarks left us guessing what he meant.

Similar words: condensed, concise, compressed

Opposites: verbose

Common phrases: an elliptical reply, elliptical prose, an elliptical style

Leaving out words that readers or listeners can understand from the rest of the sentence.

• The reply is an elliptical sentence.
• In informal speech, elliptical clauses are common.
• The teacher asked us to supply the missing words in an elliptical construction.

Similar words: elliptic

Common phrases: an elliptical sentence, an elliptical clause, an elliptical construction, elliptical grammar

An exercise machine with foot platforms that move in oval paths, similar to walking or running.

• I use the elliptical at the gym.
• She spent twenty minutes on an elliptical.
• Are the ellipticals easier on your knees than treadmills?

Similar words: elliptical trainer, cross-trainer

Common phrases: use an elliptical, on the elliptical, an elliptical workout

A galaxy with a smooth, round or oval shape, without spiral arms.

• The telescope revealed a giant elliptical.
• Astronomers compared the elliptical with a nearby spiral galaxy.
• Several ellipticals lie near the centre of the cluster.

Similar words: elliptical galaxy

Common phrases: a giant elliptical, a dwarf elliptical, a nearby elliptical