noun
- the degree to which something deviates from a perfect circle; the measure of how elongated an ellipse is
Usage: mathematics; astronomy
Examples
- The ellipticity of Earth’s orbit affects seasonal variations.
- Scientists measured the ellipticity of the galaxy to understand its structure.
- The planet’s ellipticity causes it to bulge at the equator.
- Astronomers calculate orbital ellipticity to predict celestial movements.
- The ellipticity of the comet’s path determines its return period.
- Engineers must account for the ellipticity when designing satellite orbits.