The term *elliptic* generally refers to something that has the shape or properties of an ellipse. In mathematics, it often describes equations, curves, or functions related to ellipses—for example, an *elliptic curve* is a type of smooth, projective algebraic curve of genus one, with a specified point defined over a field. More broadly, *elliptic* can describe motion, orbits, or shapes that are elongated and oval-like rather than circular.