ellipsoid

Meaning

Noun

1. A surface, all of whose cross sections are elliptic or circular (including the sphere), that generalises the ellipse and in Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) is a quadric with equation x²/a² + y²/b² + z²/c² = 1.
2. Such a surface used as a model of the shape of the earth.

Adj

1. Shaped like an ellipse; elliptical.
2. Of or pertaining to an ellipse; elliptic.
3. Having the tridimensional shape of an ellipse rotated on its long axis.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɪˈlɪp.sɔɪd/

Etymology

From ellipse + -oid.

Sentences

Normal heights are thus dependent upon the reference ellipsoid chosen .