el·lip·tic ( -lp tk) or el·lip·ti·cal (-t-k l)adj. 1. Of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse. 2. Containing or characterized by ellipsis. 3. a. Of or relating to extreme economy of oral or written expression. b. Marked by deliberate obscurity of style or expression. [New Latin ell  pticus, from Greek elleiptikos, defective, from elleipsis, a falling short, ellipsis; see ellipsis.]el·lip ti·cal·ly adv. |
elliptical [ɪˈlɪptɪkəl]
adj
1. (Mathematics) relating to or having the shape of an ellipse
2. (Linguistics / Grammar) relating to or resulting from ellipsis
3. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) (of speech, literary style, etc.)
a. very condensed or concise, often so as to be obscure or ambiguous
b. circumlocutory or long-winded Also (for senses 1, 2) elliptic
elliptically adv
ellipticalness n
Usage: The use of elliptical to mean circumlocutory should be avoided as it may be interpreted wrongly as meaning condensed or concise
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | elliptical - rounded like an egg rounded - curving and somewhat round in shape rather than jagged; "low rounded hills"; "rounded shoulders" |
| 2. | elliptical - characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of superfluous elements; "the dialogue is elliptic and full of dark hints"; "the explanation was concise, even elliptical to the verge of obscurity"- H.O.Taylor concise - expressing much in few words; "a concise explanation" |
elliptical elliptic
Translations
elliptical [ɪˈlɪptɪkəl] adj
(= oval) [shape, arch] → elliptique; [orbit] → elliptique
(= indirect) [remark] → elliptique
elliptical [ɪˈlɪptɪk/əl] elliptic [ɪˈlɪptɪk] adj → ellittico/a
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