ellipsis

plural ellipses

1. countableuncountablemathematicsA mark consisting of multiple full stops (with or without spaces), used to indicate omitted, missing, or illegible words; or (in mathematics) that a pattern continues.

   The ellipsis in 0.333... means that the number is a repeating decimal, having threes that go on forever.

   2 more examples

   The ellipsis in 1, 2, 3, ..., 8, 9 means that the numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not explicitly included, but are considered to be part of the pattern.

   CARD: Hey Baby. Thanks for the … last night. Love you! HAZEL: Wow. I've never despised an ellipsis so much in my life.

   2006, Danielle Corsetto, Girls with Slingshots: 114

   Synonyms: dot dot dot, suspension dots, suspension points

2. countablerhetoricuncountablegrammarThe omission from a clause of a word or phrase that is nevertheless inferred using the context of the remaining element.
3. countableuncountablebroadcastingThe omission of scenes in a film that do not advance the plot.

   It was now possible for writers and directors to cut scenes that did not further the plot; called "ellipses" by filmmakers.

   2002, David Blanke, The 1910s: 219

4. countableobsoleteuncountablegeometryAn ellipse.