Elliptic integral

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Integral \In"te*gral\, n.
   1. A whole; an entire thing; a whole number; an individual.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Math.) An expression which, being differentiated, will
      produce a given differential. See differential
      {Differential}, and {Integration}. Cf. {Fluent}.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Elliptic integral}, one of an important class of integrals,
      occurring in the higher mathematics; -- so called because
      one of the integrals expresses the length of an arc of an
      ellipse.
      [1913 Webster]
    
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]
    

[email protected]