elliptical

1 of 2

adjective

el·​lip·​ti·​cal i-ˈlip-ti-kəl 

e-

variants or elliptic

i-ˈlip-tik 

e-

1

: of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse

2

a

: of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis

b(1)

: of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing

(2)

: of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)

elliptically

i-ˈlip-ti-k(ə-)lē 

e-

adverb

elliptical

2 of 2

noun

plural ellipticals

1

: elliptical galaxy

In Hubble's scheme, galaxies are divided into ellipticals and spirals.

—Roberto G. Abraham et al.

2

: elliptical trainer

Ellipticals move in a smooth, oval motion, like riding a bike standing up, and offer great features like your beloved treadmill.

—Monique Savin

Synonyms

Adjective

• ambiguous
• arcane
• cryptic
• dark
• deep
• Delphic
• double-edged
• enigmatic
• enigmatical
• equivocal
• fuliginous
• inscrutable
• murky
• mysterious
• mystic
• nebulous
• obscure
• occult
• opaque

Examples of elliptical in a Sentence

Adjective

The moon follows an elliptical path around the Earth.

a writer with an elliptical style

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Bowflex Max Trainer Jumpstart Dad's fitness routine with an at-home elliptical with the Bowflex Max Trainer, priced at around $1,300 on Amazon, is a great no-frills option for anybody wanting a hearty, low-impact workout at home. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 3 June 2024

Because the Earth’s orbit around the sun is elliptical in shape, the lengths of astronomical seasons can also range from 89 to 93 days. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 31 May 2024

Noun

The formal experimentation is relegated to the editing and story structure, which unfolds in jagged ellipticals, mimicking a fickle, troubled mind. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

Through the lobby there was a small workout room with ellipticals, bikes, and treadmills. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek elleiptikos defective, marked by ellipsis, from elleipein

First Known Use

Adjective

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elliptical

• elliptical galaxy
• elliptical trainer