elongation
noun
elon·ga·tion
(ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən 
1
: the angular distance in the sky between a celestial body and another around which it revolves or between a celestial body and a particular point (such as the point where its path intersects the horizon)
the elongation of Venus from the Sun
2
a
: the state of being elongated or lengthened
also
: the process of elongating
b
: something that is elongated
Synonyms
Examples of elongation in a Sentence
the elongation of artificial fibers in the manufacturing process
Recent Examples on the Web
Don’t miss bright Venus just below the duo. Jan. 10: Venus Reaches Greatest Eastern Elongation
On the evening of Jan. 10, Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation — its easternmost distance from the sun.
—
Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Jan. 2025
Venus at dichotomy On Jan. 10, 2025, Venus will reach its greatest elongation east in the post-sunset sky, putting it high above the western horizon after dark.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2024
However, the trapezoidal shape of the case, with its elongation towards the 6 o'clock position, helps to distribute the watch's weight evenly across the wrist.
—Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Mercury’s greatest elongation — when a planet is at its apparent furthest distance from the sun — officially occurs in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 16.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elongation 
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Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Jan. 2025
Venus at dichotomy On Jan. 10, 2025, Venus will reach its greatest elongation east in the post-sunset sky, putting it high above the western horizon after dark.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2024
However, the trapezoidal shape of the case, with its elongation towards the 6 o'clock position, helps to distribute the watch's weight evenly across the wrist.
—Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Mercury’s greatest elongation — when a planet is at its apparent furthest distance from the sun — officially occurs in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 16.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elongation
Dictionary Entries Near elongation
Cite this Entry
“Elongation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elongation. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
elongation
noun
elon·ga·tion
(ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən
1
: the state of being elongated or lengthened
also
: the process of growing or increasing in length
chain elongation in DNA synthesis
the elongation of a muscle under tension
2
: something that is elongated
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