elliptical

//ɪˈlɪptɪkəl//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of elliptical

Adjective

ellipticalCanonical form
more ellipticalComparative
most ellipticalSuperlative
1

Having the shape of an ellipse; oval or elongated in form.

The planet follows an elliptical orbit around the sun.

2

Of or relating to grammatical ellipsis; characterized by the omission of words that are understood from context.

The phrase 'Sounds good' is an elliptical expression, with the subject 'that' omitted.

3

Deliberately obscure or ambiguous in expression; indirect or cryptic.

The poet's elliptical style left readers puzzling over the true meaning of her verses.