elliptical
[i'liptikәl]
a. 椭圆

[医] 椭圆形

1. The Earth's path round the sun is elliptical.
   球绕道椭圆形。
2. A cylindrical surface or solid all of whose sections perpendicular to the elements are elliptical.
   椭圆柱组素垂圆柱形柱体椭圆形柱体
3. An elliptical track, as for racing or athletic events.
   椭圆形跑道赛运动项目椭圆形跑道

elliptical
[ adj ]

1. rounded like an egg

<adj.all>

2. characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of superfluous elements

<adj.all>
the dialogue is elliptic and full of dark hints
the explanation was concise, even elliptical to the verge of obscurity

Elliptic \El*lip"tic\, Elliptical \El*lip"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ?:
cf. F. elliptique. See {Ellipsis}.]
1. Of or pertaining to an ellipse; having the form of an
ellipse; oblong, with rounded ends.

The planets move in elliptic orbits. --Cheyne.

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.

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.
[PJC]

{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}.