Ellipsis Definition

ĭ-lĭpsĭs
ellipses
noun
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”)
Webster's New World
An example of such omission.
American Heritage
Webster's New World
A mark or series of marks ( ... or * * * , for example) used in writing or printing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words.
American Heritage
(film) The omission of scenes in a film that do not advance the plot.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Ellipsis

Noun

Singular:
ellipsis
Plural:
ellipses

Origin of Ellipsis

  • Latin ellīpsis from Greek elleipsis from elleipein to fall short ellipse

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Ancient Greek ἔλλειψις (elleipsis, “omission”).

    From Wiktionary

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