elongation

noun

elon·​ga·​tion (ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce elongation (audio)
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

Examples of elongation in a Sentence

the elongation of artificial fibers in the manufacturing process
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The editors came up with that, maybe as a result of my having pushed for a kind of elongation of that moment with them both facing the camera and her walking away. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 19 June 2024 The Tank Louis specifically saw an elongation of the rectangle and a softening of the corners of the rails that run vertically along the sides. Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 26 July 2024 Per Toplak and Kerk, there is evidence of skull elongation being practiced in various ancient and medieval cultures, from South America and Central Asia to Southeast Europe. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 10 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for elongation 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elongation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near elongation

Cite this Entry

“Elongation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elongation. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

elongation

noun
elon·​ga·​tion (ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce elongation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on elongation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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