prolate

[ proh-leyt ]

adjective

1. elongated along the polar diameter, as a spheroid generated by the revolution of an ellipse about its longer axis ( oblate ).

prolate

/ ˈprəʊleɪt /

adjective

1. having a polar diameter of greater length than the equatorial diameter Compare oblate 1

Derived Forms

• ˈprolateness, noun
• ˈprolately, adverb

Other Words From

• prolate·ly adverb
• prolate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolate¹

1685–95; < Latin prōlātus, past participle of prōferre to bring forward, extend; pro- ¹, oblate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolate¹

C17: from Latin prōferre to enlarge

Example Sentences

The crucial dispute between Cartesians and Newtonians was over the shape of the Earth: Newton predicted an oblate ellipsoid, or flattened, Earth, while the Cartesians had predicted a prolate ellipsoid, or egg-shaped, Earth.

From Literature

The embankments rose like the prolate rock formations in Chinese scroll paintings, massive looming shapes half lost to fog.

From The New Yorker

Texas, West Texas and Texas Tech surely reserve their foremost excitement for when the ball is a prolate spheroid.

From Washington Post

The ball has its shape — a prolate spheroid — because that was the natural shape of the inflated pig bladder used to make the first football in the 19th century.

From Seattle Times

But the models predict that early in the universe, emerging galaxies were prolate—longer than they were wide, Faber says.

From Science Magazine