Ellipse
/ɪˈlɪps/noun
A shape that looks like a round circle but is long in one direction.
The shape of the orbit of a planet around the sun is an ellipse.
Often appears as...
- draw an ellipse
- planet's ellipse
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Planetary Paths
The word 'ellipse' describes the elongated path planets take around the sun, different from a perfect circle.
In astronomy class, we learned that Earth's orbit is an ellipse.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Circle
An 'ellipse' is often confused with a circle, remember it's stretched in one direction like an oval.
She drew an ellipse with two focal points instead of a perfect circle.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Cues
In diagrams or art, an 'ellipse' can represent perspective, showing depth or three-dimensionality.
The artist used an ellipse to give the illusion of a round plate on the table.
Compare with
oval
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