An elliptical orbit refers to the curved path that an object follows around another object in space. Instead of being a perfect circle, the orbit is shaped like an oval or stretched-out circle. Full definition
From there another rocket blast switched the craft onto the tracks of a high - velocity, highly elliptical orbit. (discovermagazine.com)
As mentioned above, this stellar companion is widely separated in an extremely elliptical orbit. (solstation.com)
Given the current elliptical orbit, the spacecraft will be both closer to and further from the planet than during its main science mission. (astrobio.net)