elongate

1 of 2

verb

elon·​gate i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt 

(ˌ)ē-,

ˈē-ˌlȯŋ-

elongated; elongating

transitive verb

: to extend the length of

intransitive verb

: to grow in length

elongate

2 of 2

adjective

elon·​gate i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt 

(ˌ)ē-,

ˈē-ˌlȯŋ-

variants or elongated

i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgā-təd 

(ˌ)ē-,

ˈē-ˌlȯŋ-

1

: stretched out

2

: slender

Did you know?

Elongate is often found in scientific writing, but the adjective elongated is more common, and frequently used to describe body parts in discussions of anatomy. This was even the case when the superhero Elongated Man made his appearance back in 1960. But some other characters with the same powers—Plastic Man, Elastic Lad, and Mr. Fantastic—ended up having longer careers.

Synonyms

Verb

• drag (out)
• draw out
• extend
• lengthen
• outstretch
• prolong
• protract
• stretch

Adjective

• extended
• king-size
• king-sized
• lengthy
• long

Examples of elongate in a Sentence

Verb

These stretching exercises can help elongate your leg muscles.

New medical procedures have elongated the careers of many athletes.

Adjective

the giraffe's elongate neck is thought to be the result of natural selection

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Since then, expansion work has elongated the highway, also known as state Route 24, to just over five miles. —Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 13 May 2024

That fits with Bauman's drive to elongate the theatergoing lifespan for individuals. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Late Latin elongatus, past participle of elongare to withdraw, from Latin e- + longus

First Known Use

Verb

1578, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Adjective

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

elongate

1 of 2 verb

elon·​gate i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt 

elongated; elongating

: to make or grow longer

elongation

(ˌ)ē-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən

noun

elongate

2 of 2 adjective

variants or elongated

i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt-əd

: stretched out

especially : being much greater in length than in width

Medical Definition

elongate

1 of 2 verb

elon·​gate i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt 

elongated; elongating

transitive verb

: to extend the length of

intransitive verb

: to grow in length

elongate

2 of 2 adjective

variants or elongated

: long in proportion to width