ovoid

American  

[oh-void] / ˈoʊ vɔɪd /

adjective

1. egg-shaped; having the solid form of an egg.

2. ovate.

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noun

1. an ovoid body.

ovoid British  

/ ˈəʊvɔɪd /

adjective

1. egg-shaped

2. botany (of a fruit or similar part) egg-shaped with the broader end at the base Compare obovoid

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noun

1. something that is ovoid

Other Word Forms

• subovoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of ovoid

From the New Latin word ōvoīdēs, dating back to 1820–30. See ovi-, -oid

Explanation

Something that's shaped like an egg is an ovoid. If you want to impress your friends, call that sculpture in the park that looks like an oval an ovoid. Ovoid can also be used as an adjective that means "egg-shaped," as in the ovoid chocolates in a box of candy. Ovoid comes from the Latin word ovum, meaning "egg." The suffix -oid means "like." When you combine those, you can easily see how ovoid came to mean "egg-like." To correctly pronounce ovoid, accent the first syllable and give it the long o sound: "OH-void."

Example Sentences

Like islands in an ocean, white ovoid outlines appeared amid the background puddle of stain—vaults.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 6, 2024

The pavilion consisted of a series of exhibitions — including a puppet-style show about data processing — nested underneath a 90-foot tall ovoid theater known as the Information Machine.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2023

Near the intersection of Commonwealth and Mount Vernon avenues, the neighborhood’s two biggest thoroughfares, stands “Three Eggs in Space,” an ovoid limestone art installation.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2023

It was a streamlined, futuristic vehicle with three wheels, a periscope, and an ovoid body that reminded observers of a tadpole or a flying fish.

From Slate • Aug. 2, 2022

That was the way my mind lurched and stumbled, among the sharp R's and T's, sliding over the ovoid vowels as if on pebbles.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood