Definition of elongation Elongation

/iˌlɔŋgejˈʃʌn/ - [eelonggeyshun] - e•lon•ga•tion

We found 19 definitions of elongation from 8 different sources.

What does elongation mean?

Noun Plural: elongations
elongation - the act of lengthening something
		change of shape an action that changes the shape of something
elongation - an addition to the length of something
		extension
		add-on, improver, addition the act of adding one thing to another; "the addition of flowers created a pleasing effect"; "the addition of a leap day every four years"
elongation - the quality of being elongated
		longness duration as an extension

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

elongation (Noun)
The act of lengthening, or the state of being lengthened; protraction; extension.
elongation (Noun)
That which lengthens out; continuation.
elongation (Noun)
The ratio of the extension of a material to the length of the material prior to stretching.
elongation (Noun)
Removal to a distance; withdrawal; a being at a distance; distance.
elongation (Noun)
The angular distance of a planet from the sun; as, the elongation of Venus or Mercury.

elongation (n.)
The act of lengthening, or the state of being lengthened; protraction; extension.
elongation (n.)
That which lengthens out; continuation.
elongation (n.)
Removal to a distance; withdrawal; a being at a distance; distance.
elongation (n.)
The angular distance of a planet from the sun; as, the elongation of Venus or Mercury.

elongation
The angular distance of a heavenly body from the sun eastward or westward.

Elongation is an astronomical term that describes the angle between the Sun and a planet, as viewed from Earth.

When an inferior planet is visible after sunset, it is near its greatest eastern elongation. When an inferior planet is visible before sunrise, it is near its greatest western elongation. The value of the greatest elongation (west or east), for Mercury, is between 18° and 28°; and for Venus between 45° and 47°. This value varies because the orbits of the planets are elliptical, rather than perfect circles.