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elliptical

play
adjective el·lip·ti·cal \i-ˈlip-ti-kəl, e-\
variants: or

elliptic

play \i-ˈlip-tik, e-\

Definition of elliptical

  1. 1 :  of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse

  2. 2a :  of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsisb (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

play \i-ˈlip-ti-k(ə-)lē, e-\ adverb

See elliptical defined for English-language learners

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Origin and Etymology of elliptical

Greek elleiptikos defective, marked by ellipsis, from elleipein

elliptical Synonyms

Synonyms
ambiguous, arcane, cryptic, dark, deep, Delphic, double-edged, obscure (or elliptic), enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, fuliginous, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, occult, opaque
Antonyms
accessible, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal
Related Words
abstruse, esoteric, recondite; cloaked, concealed, disguised, masked, shrouded; beclouded, bedimmed, befogged, clouded, cloudy, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indistinct, indistinguishable, misty, muddy, obfuscatory, obnubilated, obscurant (or obscurantic), shaded, shadowlike, shadowy, sphinxlike; indefinite, inexact, inexplicit, noncommittal, questionable, unclear, uncertain, undefined, undetermined, vague; impenetrable, incomprehensible, indecipherable, inexplicable; eerie (also eery), uncanny, weird; impalpable, inappreciable, intangible, invisible; unanswerable, unknowable; baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable; circuitous, indirect, roundabout; complex, complicated, difficult, obtuse
Near Antonyms
comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible, knowable, legible, pellucid, understandable; bright, distinct, evident, self-evident, self-explanatory; certain, firm, strong, sure; defined, determined; direct, straightforward; definite, exact, explicit; appreciable, palpable, tangible, visible; blatant, patent, unmistakable
2

elliptical

noun el·lip·ti·cal

Definition of elliptical

plural

ellipticals

  1. 1 :  elliptical galaxy In Hubble's scheme, galaxies are divided into ellipticals and spirals. — Roberto G. Abraham et al.

  2. 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

First Known Use of elliptical

1936

ELLIPTICAL Defined for Kids

elliptical

play
adjective el·lip·ti·cal \i-ˈlip-ti-kəl\
variants: or

elliptic

\-tik\

Definition of elliptical for Students

  1. :  having the shape of an ellipse an elliptical orbit

Learn More about elliptical

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for elliptical Spanish Central: Translation of elliptical Nglish: Translation of elliptical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of elliptical for Arabic speakers

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