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

• extension
• stretching

Examples of elongation in a Sentence

the elongation of artificial fibers in the manufacturing process

Recent Examples on the Web

The tips of the arms were primarily used for bends, while elongations were more frequent closer to the body. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025

Some might also detect a faint tail appearing as a bit of an elongation of the comet's coma, but hardly the kind of tail or appendage exhibited by other larger and brighter comets. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025

In its final dawn appearance of its present elongation, Mercury sidles up to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

The best time to see Mercury during its greatest elongation is about 30 minutes before sunrise, according to EarthSky. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 19 Aug. 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