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
Examples of elongation in a Sentence
the elongation of artificial fibers in the manufacturing process
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Understanding ‘Greatest Western Elongation’ This moment is the planet's greatest western elongation, which is when one of the inner planets — Mercury and Venus — reaches its maximum apparent separation west of the sun.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Summer of prominence On June 1, Venus will arrive at its greatest western elongation, 46 degrees from the sun.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
As of March 20, the official first day of spring, 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin reached the fourth stage in their blooming, which is peduncle elongation, according to the National Park Service.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elongation
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Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 May 2025
Understanding ‘Greatest Western Elongation’ This moment is the planet's greatest western elongation, which is when one of the inner planets — Mercury and Venus — reaches its maximum apparent separation west of the sun.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Summer of prominence On June 1, Venus will arrive at its greatest western elongation, 46 degrees from the sun.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
As of March 20, the official first day of spring, 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin reached the fourth stage in their blooming, which is peduncle elongation, according to the National Park Service.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elongation
Cite this Entry
“Elongation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elongation. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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