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

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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

The new Havaianas Kitten Heel, which debuted during Copenhagen Fashion Week on the Studio Constance spring 2027 runway, features an asymmetric elliptical heel and a cover for the big toe. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Someone with achy knees may prefer cycling or swimming; someone who wants a weight-bearing option may favor stairs or the elliptical. — Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 23 Sep. 2026

Noun

The ghost galaxies took various shapes — there were dwarf spheroidals, dwarf ellipticals and dwarf irregulars. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2026

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