noun

ellipse

ih-LIPS

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Ellipse (noun) means a closed curve shaped like a flattened circle, made up of every point whose distances to two fixed points add up to the same total. Example: “The planets travel around the sun in an ellipse, not a perfect circle.”

noun

A closed curve shaped like a flattened circle, made up of every point whose distances to two fixed points add up to the same total.

"The planets travel around the sun in an ellipse, not a perfect circle."

"She drew an ellipse using two pins and a loop of string."

"The satellite's orbit is an ellipse rather than a circle."

How to use ellipse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn ellipse is a squashed circle shape, like an oval, with a precise mathematical definition.

When to use it

Ellipse is a technical geometry term rather than everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with 'ellipsis', the word for leaving something out of a sentence; they share a root but mean different things.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ellipsis →

Common pairings

the foci of an ellipse an elongated ellipse trace an ellipse draw an ellipse

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ellipse” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The planets travel around the sun in an _____, not a perfect circle.

Etymology

The word came into English from French ellipse, which was itself borrowed from Latin ellīpsis, tracing back to Ancient Greek élleipsis.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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oval

Related words

egg oval elliptical elliptic ovate ovoid ovaline

Rhymes for ellipse

eclipse

See all rhymes for ellipse →

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an ellipse and an oval?

In everyday, non-technical use, oval and ellipse are often treated as the same shape, though ellipse is the precise geometric term.

What is the difference between an ellipse and a circle?

A circle has every point the same distance from a single centre, while an ellipse is defined by two fixed points, called foci, rather than one centre point.

Why are planetary orbits called ellipses?

Because the orbit forms a closed curve where the total distance to two fixed points, its foci, stays constant, which is the defining property of an ellipse.

What is the meaning of ellipse?

"ellipse" (noun) means a closed curve shaped like a flattened circle, made up of every point whose distances to two fixed points add up to the same total.

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egg oval elliptical elliptic ovate ovoid ovaline