The term "elliptic" refers to a shape or form that resembles an ellipse, which is a smooth, closed curve. An ellipse is defined mathematically as the set of points where the sum of the distances from two fixed points, called foci, is constant. This shape is commonly seen in various contexts, such as in the orbits of planets around the sun, where the paths are elliptical rather than circular. In mathematics, "elliptic" can also relate to elliptic functions and elliptic curves, which are important in number theory and algebraic geometry. Elliptic functions are complex functions that are periodic in two directions, while elliptic curves are smooth, projective algebraic curves with specific properties. Both concepts have significant applications in cryptography and mathematical research.