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ellipsis definition

el·lip·sis (e lip′sis, i-)

noun pl. ellipses -·ses′ (-sēz′)

  1. Gram. the omission of a word or words necessary for complete grammatical construction but understood in the context (Ex.: “if possible” for “if it is possible”)
  2. ellipsis points

Etymology: L < Gr elleipsis: see ellipse

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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