Spheroid: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a shape that is almost spherical but not perfectly so. Common in scientific or technical contexts.

• The Earth is a spheroid rather than a perfect sphere due to its equatorial bulge
• The tennis ball is roughly a spheroid

Applied in mathematical, geometric, or scientific contexts to describe a three-dimensional figure where all plane sections are ellipses or circles.

• The ellipsoid model of Earth accurately represents its shape for cartographic purposes
• The planet's surface can be modeled as an ellipsoid

Commonly used to describe a rounded, elongated shape that is flat or two-dimensional. Suitable for everyday language and non-technical descriptions.

• The artist drew an oval on the canvas
• Let's use an oval table for the dining room

Used specifically to describe a sphere that is flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. Often employed in astronomy and geophysics.

• Due to its rotation, Saturn takes the shape of an oblate sphere
• When viewed from space, the Earth appears as an oblate sphere due to its equatorial bulge