Elliptical (adjective)

  1. Having the shape of an ellipse, which is a flattened circle.
  2. Characterized by ellipsis, which is the omission of one or more words that are clearly understood.
  3. Having a circuitous or indirect manner of speaking or writing.

Origin:

From middle french elliptique, from latin ellipticus, from greek ελλειπτικός (elleiptikós), from ελλειπτός (elleiptós, "deficient, incomplete").

Examples:

  1. The elliptical path of the planet around the sun is called an orbit.
  2. The elliptical trainer is a piece of gym equipment designed to simulate running or walking movements.
  3. Her elliptical style of writing is sometimes difficult to follow, as she often leaves out important details.
  4. The elliptical approach to diplomacy may involve long, indirect negotiations to arrive at a solution.
  5. The elliptical way of speaking sometimes leads to confusion, as the speaker does not say everything that is on their mind.
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