Definition

A closed curve in a plane that looks like a stretched circle, formed by the points where the total distance to two fixed points is the same.

Example

The planets move in an elliptical orbit around the sun.

Conversation

Have you ever tried to draw an ellipse?

No, I haven't! How do you even start?

It's actually pretty simple once you understand the shape of an ellipse.

That sounds interesting; I might give it a shot this weekend!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ellipse → It is formed from "ellipses" (from Greek "elleipsis", meaning a falling short or a deficiency) and the suffix "-e" (used in forming nouns). The word "ellipse" refers to a shape that is a closed curve, specifically a geometric figure that is a result of a deficiency in circularity.

Memory Tip

Think of a shape that is a 'falling short' of being a perfect circle — that's what an ellipse represents.

Visually Confused Words