Crossword Genius

The way of a planet (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ellipse

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This clue could be a double definition.

'the way' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'a planet' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ellipse that I've seen before include "Egg-shaped geometrical figure" , "Conic section" , "Sell pie badly to get a geometrical figure" , "Sell pie off for a geometric figure" , "Inclined plane through a cone" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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