OVAL Meaning and
Definition
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Oval is an adjective used to describe a shape that is elongated and rounded, resembling an elongated circle or oval fruit. It is also a noun referring to an object or figure that has an oval shape. This term is derived from the Latin word "ovum," which means "egg."
In geometry, an oval shape is created when two identical curved lines intersect at both ends, forming a continuous and smooth curve. It can also be seen as a rotationally symmetric shape, meaning that it looks the same when rotated 180 degrees.
Ovals are characterized by having two axes, called the major axis and minor axis. These axes are perpendicular to one another, with the major axis being the longer of the two. The length of the major axis determines the overall elongation of the shape. Ovals are often described in terms of the ratio of their major axis to their minor axis, known as the aspect ratio.
The term "oval" is commonly used in reference to various objects and phenomena that exhibit this particular shape. It can refer to objects in nature, such as the shape of certain fruits like bananas or grapes, as well as man-made objects like oval windows or tables with oval tops. Additionally, the term is used in sports, specifically in relation to the shape of playing fields, such as those used in cricket and track and field events.
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1. Relating to an ovum. 2. Egg-shaped, resembling in outline the longitudinal section of an egg.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Of an oblong, round form; having the figure or shape of an egg; applied to an outline or tracing in the form of a longitudinal section of an egg.
• A body or figure in the shape of an egg; an oval object; an ellipse; an outline in the form of a longitudinal section of an egg.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for OVAL *
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Other Common Misspellings for OVAL
Etymology of OVAL
The word oval is derived from the Latin word ovum, which means egg. The shape of an oval is likened to that of an egg, which is why it is called ovum in Latin. Over time, the term ovum evolved into the Old Italian word ovale and eventually was adopted into English as oval.
Similar spelling words for OVAL
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