Definition of Terms, Continued
Solids
(Continued)
Ellipsoids are geometric surfaces whose plane sections are all ellipses or
circles. Oblate ellipsoids have flattened surfaces at the poles. Ellipsoids
flattened so that the altitude of the polar axis exceeds the equatorial diameter
are called prolate ellipsoids.
Figure 2-17 shows the polar distortions of ellipsoids.
Figure 2-17.—Ellipsoids.
2-18
