Found 1 items, similar to Elliptic compasses.
English → English (gcide) Definition: Elliptic compasses Elliptic \El*lip"tic\, Elliptical \El*lip"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ?: cf. F. elliptique. See Ellipsis.] 1. Of or pertaining to an ellipse; having the form of an ellipse; oblong, with rounded ends. [1913 Webster] The planets move in elliptic orbits. --Cheyne. [1913 Webster] The billiard sharp who any one catches, His doom's extremely hard He's made to dwell In a dungeon cell On a spot that's always barred. And there he plays extravagant matches In fitless finger-stalls On a cloth untrue With a twisted cue And elliptical billiard balls! --Gilbert and Sullivan (The Mikado: The More Humane Mikado Song) 2. Having a part omitted; as, an elliptical phrase. [1913 Webster] 3. leaving out information essential to comprehension; so concise as to be difficult to understand; obscure or ambiguous; -- of speech or writing; as, an elliptical comment. [PJC] Elliptic chuck. See under Chuck. Elliptic compasses, an instrument arranged for drawing ellipses. Elliptic function. (Math.) See Function. Elliptic integral. (Math.) See Integral. Elliptic polarization. See under Polarization. [1913 Webster]