spheroid

[ sfeer-oid ]

noun

1. a solid geometrical figure similar in shape to a sphere, as an ellipsoid.

adjective

1. spheroidal.

spheroid

/ ˈsfɪərɔɪd /

noun

1. maths another name for ellipsoid of revolution

adjective

1. shaped like but not exactly a sphere

spheroid

/ sfîr′oid′ /

1. A three-dimensional geometric surface generated by rotating an ellipse on or about one of its axes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spheroid¹

1655–65; < Latin sphaeroīdēs < Greek sphairoeidḗs. See sphere, -oid

Example Sentences

Although we have for convenience termed the earth a flattened spheroid, it is only such in a very general sense.

From Project Gutenberg

Its shape is not absolutely spherical, but spheroid—that is, flattened at the poles.

From Project Gutenberg

"He loves to call a football an 'illusive spheroid,'" chuckled another chap.

From Project Gutenberg

Pithos, pith′os, n. a large spheroid Greek earthenware vase.

From Project Gutenberg

The spores of this species are spheroid-tetrahedral, the three radiating angles marked with slender vittæ, or bands.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bulbous
• curled
• curved
• cylindrical
• elliptical
• oval
• rounded
• spherical