ELLIPTICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Ellipticity is a term used in physics and mathematics to describe the property or characteristic of being elliptical. It refers to the degree to which a shape or object deviates from a perfect circle and takes on an elliptical form.
In the field of optics, ellipticity is often used to describe the polarization of light. It refers to the shape of the electric field vector as light propagates through a medium. If the electric field vector traces out an elliptical path, the light is said to be elliptically polarized. The degree of ellipticity in this context represents the amount of deviation from purely linear or circular polarization.
In the context of celestial bodies, such as planets or galaxies, ellipticity is used to describe their shape. Rather than being perfectly spherical, these objects may exhibit varying degrees of ellipticity. The ellipticity of a planet or galaxy is determined by the ratio of its equatorial diameter (the distance between two opposite points on the equator) to its polar diameter (the distance between its geographic poles). A perfectly spherical object would have an ellipticity of zero, while a highly elongated or flattened shape would have a non-zero ellipticity value.
Overall, ellipticity encompasses the concept of deviation from circularity or sphericity and is commonly employed in various scientific and mathematical disciplines.
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The fraction that indicates the deviation of an ellipse from a sphere or circle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ELLIPTICITY
- wllipticity
- sllipticity
- dllipticity
- rllipticity
- 4llipticity
- 3llipticity
- eklipticity
- eplipticity
- eolipticity
- elkipticity
- elpipticity
- eloipticity
- ellupticity
- elljpticity
- ellkpticity
- ellopticity
- ell9pticity
- ell8pticity
- ellioticity
Etymology of ELLIPTICITY
The word "ellipticity" is derived from the noun "ellipse" combined with the suffix "-icity".
The noun "ellipse" comes from the Late Latin word "ellipticus", which means "elliptical" or "of an ellipse". This Latin term, in turn, derives from the Greek word "elleipsis", meaning "a falling short, deficiency, or a defect". The Greek word "elleipsis" was originally used in mathematics to signify the falling short of extending a circular shape into a perfect curve.
The suffix "-icity" is a common suffix in English, derived from the Latin suffix "-icitas". It is used to form abstract nouns, indicating a quality, condition, or state. Therefore, "ellipticity" denotes the quality or state of being elliptical.
Similar spelling words for ELLIPTICITY
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