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Oval: meaning, definitions and examples

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oval

 

[ˈoʊvəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

shape

A closed 2D shape with two long sides and two short sides that are curved, like a squashed circle.

Synonyms

egg-shaped, ellipse, oblong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oval

Suitable for describing a rounded, elongated shape with no sharp edges, often used in general contexts.

  • The conference table was oval-shaped
  • She wore a beautiful oval pendant
ellipse

Used in scientific or mathematical contexts to describe a specific geometric shape with two focal points.

  • The planets move in ellipses around the sun
  • She drew an ellipse to illustrate the orbit
oblong

Adopted when referring to a shape that is much longer than it is wide, often used in more technical or descriptive contexts.

  • The garden had an oblong layout
  • They prefer oblong pillows for better neck support
egg-shaped

Appropriate when the shape closely resembles that of an egg, often used in informal or descriptive settings.

  • The alien spaceship was egg-shaped
  • He found an egg-shaped stone on the beach

Examples of usage

  • The picture frame was in the shape of an oval.
  • The pond in the park had an oval outline.
  • The rugby field was marked with an oval boundary.
Context #2 | Adjective

description

Having the general shape of an oval.

Synonyms

egg-shaped, elliptical, oblong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oval

Typically used to describe 2D shapes with no sharp corners, often associated with objects like mirrors or racetrack circuits.

  • She wore a beautiful oval pendant.
  • The running track has an oval shape.
elliptical

Often used in a more scientific or technical context to describe shapes resembling an elongated circle, found in geometry or astronomy.

  • The planet follows an elliptical orbit.
  • She drew an elliptical shape on the board.
oblong

Describes objects that have greater length than width, usually with rounded edges. It's often used for everyday items.

  • He handed her an oblong piece of paper.
  • The table is oblong, making it ideal for the dining room.
egg-shaped

Usually refers to something that has the shape of an egg, often used to describe more organic, natural forms.

  • The artist placed an egg-shaped sculpture in the garden.
  • They found an egg-shaped stone by the river.

Examples of usage

  • She wore oval-shaped earrings.
  • The table had an oval top.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'oval' comes from the Latin word 'ovalis,' which means 'egg-shaped.'
  • In English, 'oval' became a popular geometric term in the 1600s, helping to describe shapes found in art and architecture.

Mathematics

  • An oval can be described as a shape that looks like an elongated circle and does not have corners or edges.
  • In geometry, 'ellipse' is a more specific type of oval, defined as the locus of points where the sum of the distances to two fixed points is constant.

Art and Design

  • Artists often use ovals in portraits to represent faces, as they can convey softness and elegance.
  • Many classical architectural elements, such as windows or doors, feature oval designs to create a sense of sophistication.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, the oval shape represents fertility and new beginnings, mirroring the shape of an egg.
  • Sports arenas, like oval racetracks, take advantage of the shape to allow for smoother movement and faster speeds.

Physics

  • In physics, the path of celestial bodies can be described as ovals or ellipses due to the gravitational forces acting upon them, particularly in orbital mechanics.
  • The concept of ovals extends into wave patterns in physics, where certain vibrations can create oval shapes in two-dimensional forms.

Translations

Translations of the word "oval" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oval

🇮🇳 अंडाकार

🇩🇪 oval

🇮🇩 oval

🇺🇦 овальний

🇵🇱 owalny

🇯🇵 楕円形 (だえんけい)

🇫🇷 ovale

🇪🇸 ovalado

🇹🇷 oval

🇰🇷 타원형의

🇸🇦 بيضاوي

🇨🇿 oválný

🇸🇰 oválny

🇨🇳 椭圆形 (tuǒyuán xíng)

🇸🇮 ovalno

🇮🇸 sporöskjulaga

🇰🇿 сопақ

🇬🇪 ოვალური

🇦🇿 oval

🇲🇽 ovalado

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,199 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.