έλλειψη
Lemma: έλλειψη
Translation: lack; shortage; deficiency; ellipsis (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἔλλειψις (élleipsis), from ἐλλείπω (elleípō, 'I leave out, fall short'). The same root gives English 'ellipse' and 'ellipsis'. The geometric term 'ellipse' was so named because its equation falls short of (is less than) a certain value when compared to a circle.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'eclipse' - both words share similar sounds and both involve something missing (in an eclipse, the sun is temporarily missing)
- Remember 'ellipsis' (...) which shows missing text
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in both everyday contexts regarding shortages of goods or resources, and in academic/scientific contexts regarding mathematical concepts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'έλλειψη' means 'lack/shortage', 'έκλειψη' means 'eclipse'
Confused word:
Θα δούμε έκλειψη ηλίου.
We will see a solar eclipse.
Notes: Both words are related to something missing, but in different contexts
Mnemonic: 'Έλλειψη' has double 'λ' for 'lack', while 'έκλειψη' has 'κ' for 'covered' (as in eclipse)