GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found one definition

1.       
    Elliptic (?), Elliptical (?),  a. [Gr. : cf. F. elliptique. See Ellipsis.]
   1. Of or pertaining to an ellipse; having the form of an ellipse; oblong, with rounded ends.
   
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   The planets move in elliptic orbits. Cheyne.
   
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   The billiard sharp who any one catches,
   
   His doom's extremely hard --
   
   He's made to dwell
   
   In a dungeon cell
   
   On a spot that's always barred.
   
   And there he plays extravagant matches
   
   In fitless finger-stalls
   
   On a cloth untrue
   
   With a twisted cue
   
   And elliptical billiard balls!
   
   Gilbert and Sullivan (The Mikado: The More Humane Mikado Song)
   
   
   2. Having a part omitted; as, “an elliptical phrase”.
   
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   3. leaving out information essential to comprehension; so concise as to be difficult to understand; obscure or ambiguous; -- of speech or writing; as, “an elliptical comment”.
   
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   Elliptic chuck. See under Chuck. -- Elliptic compasses, an instrument arranged for drawing ellipses. -- Elliptic function. (Math.) See Function. -- Elliptic integral. (Math.) See Integral. -- Elliptic polarization. See under Polarization.
   
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