ellipse
playSimple Definition of ellipse
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: a shape that resembles a flattened circle
Full Definition of ellipse
Did You Know?
A closed curve consisting of points whose distances from each of two fixed points (foci) all add up to the same value is an ellipse. The midpoint between the foci is the center. One property of an ellipse is that the reflection off its boundary of a line from one focus will pass through the other. As a result, in an elliptical room, a person whispering at one focus is easily heard by someone at the other. An oval may or may not fit the definition of an ellipse.
Illustration of ellipse
Origin and Etymology of ellipse
Greek elleipsis
First Known Use: circa 1753
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
ELLIPSE Defined for Kids
ellipse
playDefinition of ellipse for Students
: a shape that looks like a flattened circle
Learn More about ellipse
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Spanish Central: Translation of ellipse Nglish: Translation of ellipse for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ellipse
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