"Elliptic" refers to a shape that resembles an elongated circle, often described as an oval. In mathematics, it can relate to the properties of ellipses, which are defined by their geometric characteristics, such as the distance from the center to the foci. Elliptic shapes are commonly found in nature, architecture, and design. In the context of mathematics, "elliptic" can also refer to elliptic curves, which are important in number theory and cryptography. These curves have unique properties that make them useful for various applications, including secure communications and digital signatures.