Something that is elliptical has the shape of an ellipse.
[formal]
...the moon's elliptical orbit.
The stadium is elliptical in plan.
Synonyms: oval, egg-shaped, ovoid, ovate More Synonyms of elliptical
2. adjective
Elliptical references to something are indirect rather than clear.
[formal]
...elliptical references to problems best not aired in public.
Synonyms: oblique, concentrated, obscure, compact More Synonyms of elliptical
elliptically (ɪlɪptɪkli)adverb [ADVERB after verb]
He spoke only briefly and elliptically about the mission.
elliptical in British English
(ɪˈlɪptɪkəl) or elliptic
adjective
1.
relating to or having the shape of an ellipse
2.
relating to or resulting from ellipsis
3. (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▶ USAGE The use of elliptical to mean circumlocutory should be avoided as it may be interpreted wrongly as meaning condensed or concise
Derived forms
elliptically (elˈliptically)
adverb
ellipticalness (elˈlipticalness)
noun
elliptical in American English
(ɛˈlɪptɪkəl; ɪˈlɪptɪkəl)
adjective
1.
of, or having the form of, an ellipse, as some leaves
2.
of or characterized by ellipsis; with a word or words omitted, with obscure, incomplete constructions, etc.
Also elˈliptic
Derived forms
elliptically (elˈliptically)
adverb
Word origin
< Gr elleiptikos (see ellipse) + -al
Examples of 'elliptical' in a sentence
elliptical
The short story as a form thrives on a more elliptical and lighter style.
The Times Literary Supplement (2008)
Many planets have highly elliptical orbits that would cause huge temperature variations.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He says that they'make the body work harder than any elliptical trainer or weights machine.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
An elliptical trainer combines the movements of the stair climber, treadmill and exercise bike into one.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In fact the eccentricity of the earth's elliptical orbit has only a minor effect on the seasons.
Fisher, David E. Fire and Ice - the Greenhouse Effect, Ozone Depletion, and Nuclear Winter (1990)
They take into account the speed of light, the weirdness of elliptical orbits and the fact that planets spin.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The effect was caused by it sweeping along the lowest point of elliptical orbit around the Earth as it was in its full phase.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This is because the Earth has a slightly elliptical orbit around the Sun.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This discrepancy is because of the elliptical orbit of the Earth around the Sun.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
With its big elliptical wings, and that beautiful soundtrack, it was dashing.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Also down here is a mirrored gym, with an elliptical cross trainer, weights and a reinforced floor.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
1 (adjective)
Definition
oval-shaped
the moon's elliptical orbit
Synonyms
oval
a small oval picture frame
egg-shaped
ovoid
ovate
ellipsoidal
oviform
2 (adjective)
Definition
(of speech or writing) obscure or ambiguous
elliptical references to matters best not discussed in public
Synonyms
oblique
It was an oblique reference to his time in prison.
concentrated
obscure
The contract is written in obscure language.
compact
The strength of the series is in its concise, compact short-story quality.
indirect
Her remarks amounted to an indirect appeal for aid.
ambiguous
His remarks clarify an ambiguous statement given earlier this week.
concise
The text is concise and informative.
condensed
terse
He issued a terse statement, saying the decision will be made on Monday.
cryptic
I wondered just what he meant by that cryptic remark.
laconic
Usually so laconic in the office, he seemed more relaxed.
abstruse
Meetings keep reverting to discussions about abstruse resolutions.
recondite
Her poems are recondite in subject matter.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abstruse
Definition
not easy to understand
Meetings keep reverting to discussions about abstruse resolutions.
Synonyms
obscure,
complex,
confusing,
puzzling,
subtle,
mysterious,
concealed,
abstract,
vague,
deep,
dark,
hidden,
unclear,
ambiguous,
enigmatic,
esoteric,
perplexing,
occult,
opaque,
incomprehensible,
arcane,
hazy,
cryptic,
unfathomable,
recondite,
Delphic,
clear as mud (informal)
in the sense of ambiguous
Definition
having more than one possible interpretation
His remarks clarify an ambiguous statement given earlier this week.
Synonyms
unclear,
puzzling,
uncertain,
obscure,
vague,
doubtful,
dubious,
enigmatic,
indefinite,
inconclusive,
cryptic,
indeterminate,
equivocal,
Delphic,
oracular,
enigmatical,
clear as mud (informal)
in the sense of compact
Definition
concise
The strength of the series is in its concise, compact short-story quality.