ellipsis

Definition

A mark consisting of multiple full stops (with or without spaces), used to indicate omitted, missing, or illegible words; or (in mathematics) that a pattern continues.

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from Latin ellīpsis, from Ancient Greek ἔλλειψις (élleipsis, “omission”). Doublet of ellipse.

Example Sentences

• "The ellipsis in 1, 2, 3, ..., 8, 9 means that the numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not explicitly included, but are considered to be part of the pattern."
• "The ellipsis in 0.333... means that the number is a repeating decimal, having threes that go on forever."
• "CARD: Hey Baby. Thanks for the … last night. Love you! HAZEL: Wow. I've never despised an ellipsis so much in my life."

Related Words