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

Starship would aim for the more useful low lunar orbit while Blue Moon would meet up with Orion at a higher, but still useful elliptical polar orbit. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

The non-scientific term is often bestowed on full moons that occur when the natural satellite is within 90% of perigee, when the moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Noun

Work up a sweat in the Peloton Fitness Center with bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, a rowing machine, free weights, and more. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

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