elliptical
UK: ɪˈlɪptɪk(ə)l | US: ɪˈlɪptɪk(ə)l
adj. shaped like an ellipse; oval
adj. (of speech or writing) concise and deliberately vague or ambiguous
adj. (geometry) relating to or having the form of an ellipse
The word "elliptical" derives from the Greek "elleiptikos" (defective or lacking), which evolved into Late Latin "ellipticus," referring to the geometric shape. The root "ellipse" originates from the Greek "elleipsis" (a falling short), as an ellipse is a "defective" circle that falls short of being perfectly round. The suffix "-ical" (from Latin "-icalis") forms adjectives, giving "elliptical" its modern meanings of oval-shaped or linguistically concise/vague.
The gym installed new elliptical machines for cardio workouts.
Her elliptical reply left everyone confused about her true intentions.
The planet’s orbit is elliptical rather than circular.
The artist sketched an elliptical design for the logo.
His speech was deliberately elliptical to avoid controversy.