The MLA is just plain wrong

That's it; I've been converted. The ellipsis no longer exists. Every time it comes up in a class discussion, the kids just feed me blank stares. It's only after I say, "You know, it has the three dots." They then follow with, "Oh--the dot, dot, dot."

"Sir, where can I use the dot, dot, dot?"

"It's called an ellipses."

"The dot, dot, dot is only three dots right?"

"Yes, and it's called an ellipses."

Enough! So, I give up. Sorry MLA, but you are wrong. There is no such thing as an ellipsis. I think you're talking about the dot, dot, dot.