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ellipse

noun

/ɪˈlɪps/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of ellipse

A geometric shape formed by a curved and closed path in a plane.
"The satellite's trajectory was plotted as an ellipse on the chart."

Detailed meaning of ellipse

It resembles a flattened circle, characterized by two distinct focal points or foci and a major and minor axis. The shape of an ellipse is determined by the distance between the foci and the length of the axes. Mathematically, an ellipse can be defined as the set of all points for which the sum of the distances from any point on the ellipse to the two foci remains constant. Ellipses are encountered in various fields, such as mathematics, physics, and astronomy. In astronomy, the orbits of celestial bodies, such as planets, comets, and satellites, are often elliptical. The unique properties of an ellipse, such as its eccentricity and symmetry, make it a fundamental concept in the study of conic sections and serve as a basis for numerous mathematical applications and artistic representations.

Example sentences containing ellipse

1. The circle, considered by many as perfect, is actually a special case of an ellipse.
2. In art, an ellipse can offer a softer, more dynamic alternative to a rectangle.
3. In orbital mechanics, planets move in paths closely approximating elliptical shapes.
4. Mathematics often employs the ellipse to model various real-world physical phenomena.
5. An ellipse can be defined mathematically as the set of points equidistant from two foci.
6. Architects often use ellipses to design uniquely shaped pools, windows, and archways.

History and etymology of ellipse

The noun 'ellipse' derives its etymology from the ancient Greek word 'elleipsis,' which means 'a deficiency' or 'a falling short.' This term was used in ancient geometry to describe a specific property of conic sections. When a plane intersects a cone at an angle that is less than the angle of the side of the cone, it creates a closed curve that falls short of forming a perfect circle. This curve became known as an 'ellipse' because it was seen as a shape that lacked the perfection of a circle, hence the reference to 'deficiency' in its etymology. The concept of the ellipse was further explored and defined by ancient Greek mathematicians, including Apollonius of Perga. In modern mathematics and geometry, the term 'ellipse' is used to describe this specific geometric shape formed by a curved and closed path in a plane, characterized by its unique mathematical properties.

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Further usage examples of ellipse

1. The ellipse has two axes of symmetry, termed as the major and the minor axes, indeed.
2. In an ellipse, the sum of the distances from any point to both foci remains constant.
3. The ellipse has been a popular motif in design, representing balance and continuity.
4. Johannes Kepler first posited that celestial orbits were not circular but elliptical.
5. An ellipse can be drawn by pinning two ends of a string and tracing the shape within.
6. Learning to calculate the area of an ellipse is a standard topic in geometry classes.
7. Artists often use ellipses when sketching objects that are viewed in perspective.
8. Planetary orbits being elliptical was groundbreaking in challenging geocentric views.
9. An ellipse is defined by two points, which are mathematically termed as the foci.
10. An ellipse can technically be a circle if both its foci coincide at a single point.
11. Elliptical orbits are key to understanding various celestial phenomena in astronomy.
12. The reflection property of an ellipse has applications in acoustics and radar systems.
13. Renaissance artists employed the ellipse to give a sense of depth and dimension.
14. In sports arenas, the elliptical shape can optimize acoustics and sightlines alike.
15. The artist used ellipses to create a sense of movement and dynamism in the painting.
16. The planet follows an elliptical orbit around the sun.
17. The astronomer explained the concept of elliptical galaxies during the lecture.
18. The athlete traced an ellipse on the track as part of their training routine.
19. The architect incorporated ellipses in the design of the futuristic building.
20. The mathematician calculated the eccentricity of the ellipse using a formula.
21. The lens in the telescope helped to magnify the elliptical shape of the distant galaxy.
22. The painter carefully sketched the ellipses of the fruit in the still-life composition.
23. The engineer used an elliptical gear system for smooth and efficient power transmission.
24. The garden featured a pond with an elegant bridge crossing over its elliptical shape.
25. The mathematician proved the theorem about the properties of ellipses in his groundbreaking research.