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

• drawing out
• extension
• lengthening
• prolongation
• prolonging
• stretching

Examples of elongation in a Sentence

the elongation of artificial fibers in the manufacturing process

Recent Examples on the Web

One consequence of its current travel closer to Earth is that, on Jan. 10, Venus reached its greatest elongation east from the sun, shining brilliantly in the southwest sky after sunset. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

The degree of elongation, known as eccentricity, is measured on a scale of 0 (for a perfect circle) to 1 (a hyperbola). —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2025

And this elongation of the fire season is a hallmark of our changing climate. —Peter Bergen, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025

During this elongation, Venus is at a maximum separation of 47.2 degrees from the sun—its largest elongation of the year, according to EarthSky. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elongation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical 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