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 of elliptical

Adjective

• cryptic
• ambiguous
• dark
• obscure
• enigmatic

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

Still, there’s much to admire in a film that’s so defiantly elliptical, and that doesn’t care to hand-hold the non-Thai viewer through its maze. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Most are on elliptical trajectories, dipping closer in and then sweeping farther out over their orbits. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

Spirals, ellipticals, and irregulars are all represented in this new collection. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026

The adjacent gym is fully equipped with free weights, Peloton bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, and stair climbers. — Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

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