Oval

Definition

An oval is a geometric shape that is similar to an egg or an ellipse. An oval is a geometric shape that looks similar to an egg or an ellipse. The term is not very specific as there are many curves that are said to have an oval shape. The term ‘oval’ came from the Latin word ovum meaning ‘egg’. The 3-dimensional version of an oval is called an ovoid. The terms ‘ellipse’ and ‘oblong’ are often used interchangeably with oval, despite not being precise synonyms.

Common Features

1. Smooth-looking, simple, convex, closed, plane curves
2. Have no straight lines or corners
3. Have one face which does not self-intersect at any point
4. The shape is similar to an ellipse and does not change much from the basic elliptical shape
5. Have an axis of symmetry, but this not absolutely required

Examples in Real Life

• Human eyes
• The earth’s orbit around the sun
• A cricket ground
• An oval rug or an oval-shaped ring with an oval gem in the middle
• Man-made objects such as mirror, clock, spoon, dining table, a dish to serve for the meal, mat for the dish, rug for the floor, a wall hanging, the base of a brush (teeth or hair) among others