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ellipse definition

el·lipse (e lips′, i-)

noun pl. ellipses -·lip′·ses′ (-sēz′)

Geom. the path of a point that moves so that the sum of its distances from two fixed points, the foci, is constant; closed curve formed by the section of a cone cut by a plane less steeply inclined than the side of the cone

Etymology: ModL ellipsis < Gr elleipsis, a defect, ellipse < elleipein, to fall short < en-, in + leipein, to leave (see loan): so named from falling short of a perfect circle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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