An elongated circle, also known as an ELLIPSE (7 letters) or an OVAL (4 letters), is a two-dimensional shape that looks like a stretched out circle. It is defined by two focal points and the sum of the distances from any point on the curve to the two focal points is constant. Ellipses are used in many areas of mathematics, including astronomy, physics, engineering, and calculus. Ovals are similar to ellipses but are not mathematically precise. They are often used in art and design.