elongation

noun

elon·ga·tion | \ (ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən

Definition of elongation

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

2a : the state of being elongated or lengthened also : the process of elongating

b : something that is elongated

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About elongation

Examples of elongation in a Sentence

the elongation of artificial fibers in the manufacturing process

Recent Examples on the Web This elongation makes distant objects appear blurred. — Emily Mullin, Wired, 30 Mar. 2022 On Thursday, the National Park Service announced that the blossom buds reached their fourth stage out of six: peduncle elongation. — Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2022 Last year, peak bloom occurred just four days after the peduncle elongation stage because of exceptionally warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s. — Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2022 Since the arms are not completely preserved, the authors acknowledge that the elongation might just be an artifact; more fossil specimens are needed to confirm this. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Mar. 2022 In 2017, a prolonged and bitter cold spell befell the Washington region in mid-March when the buds were already between stage 4, peduncle elongation, and 5 (puffy white), following the warmest February on record and a mild start to March. — Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2022 Just 30 days after being born, doctors attempted to remove a birthmark and correct an elongation of his left arm and leg with radiation. — Daniel I. Dorfman, chicagotribune.com, 17 Feb. 2022 The cinematography highlighted the levels: Camera angles — close pans and crops — emphasized the elongation of the hair. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2021 Only rarely does Mercury reach maximum elongation when the ecliptic is at a steep angle to the horizon, so that it can be spotted against a fairly dark sky. — Geoff Gaherty, Scientific American, 30 Nov. 2012 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elongation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near elongation

elongate nut shell

elongation

elongato-

Statistics for elongation

Last Updated

25 Apr 2022

Cite this Entry

“Elongation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elongation. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for elongation

elongation

noun

elon·ga·tion | \ (ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən

Medical Definition of elongation

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