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

On the evenings of July 3-4, Mercury will reach its eastern elongation—its apparent farthest separation from the sun—in the evening for U.S. sky-watchers. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2025

The point at which Mercury appears most distant from the sun in Earth's sky, known as its point of greatest elongation, will occur at 00:37 a.m. EDT (0437 GMT) on July 4, according to stargazing website in-the-sky.org. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2025

However, during its evening appearances, Mercury always appears brightest in the days leading up to its greatest elongation. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 24 June 2025

Some of its plot mechanics are precarious in a way that suffers from a slight elongation of the story. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 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