Definition of "ellipsis" []

• The omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete syntactical construction but not necessary for understanding. (noun)
• An example of such omission. (noun)
• A mark or series of marks ( . . . or * * * , for example) used in writing or printing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "An ellipsis is used to show that there is extended thought going on, that portions of a quote are omitted or that the reader should feel suspense."
• "The other ellipsis is for the removal of “but when called to vote on withdrawing troops, disavow their own public statements.”"
• "Estius explains, "I might boast more of my authority, but I forbear to do so, that I may not seem as if," &c. But this ellipsis is harsh: and 2Co 10: 10, 11 confirm Bengel's view."