Definition of ellipsis

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el·lip·sis

(

-l

s) KEY

NOUN:
pl. el·lip·ses (-s

z) KEY

1. The omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete syntactical construction but not necessary for understanding.
2. An example of such omission.
A mark or series of marks ( . . . or * * * , for example) used in writing or printing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words.

ETYMOLOGY:
Latin ellpsis, from Greek elleipsis, from elleipein, to fall short ; see ellipse

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