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

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

At greatest western elongation, these planets are far enough from the glare of the sun from our point of view, so they can be seen clearly before sunrise. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

Venus reaches its point of greatest western elongation on June 1, at which time the dazzling 'morning star' will be at its most distant point from the sun in Earth's sky during its pre-dawn apparition. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 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