Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EL-LIP'SIS, n. [plur. Ellipses. Gr. ελλειψις, an omission or defect, from ελλειπω, to leave or pass by, λειπω, to leave.]

1. In geometry, a figure generated from the section of a cone, by a plane cutting both sides of it, but not parallel to the base. Bailey. Encyc. Harris.
2. In grammar, defect; omission; a figure of syntax, by which one or more words are omitted, which the hearer or reader may supply; as, the heroic virtues I admire, for the heroic virtues which I admire.