noun / adjective
oval
OH-vuhl/ˈəʊvl/
An elongated rounded shape, or shaped this way.
The pale blue oval has a smoothly rounded, elongated outline.
Etymology
The pieces literally mean “relating to an egg.” The relevant feature is an egg’s lengthwise outline, which supplies the image for an elongated, rounded shape.
In context
the front of the eye is normally round like a ball but in some people the shape is more oval like an egg
More examples
- Draw an oval around the correct answer.
- The oval table seats six people comfortably.
- She cuts several ovals from colored paper.
Forms
oval · ovals
Similar words
- ellipse
- A mathematically precise curve, while an oval need not be.
- oblong
- Longer than wide, but may have straight sides and corners.