prolate

[ proh-leyt ]

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

Origin of prolate

1
1685–95; <Latin prōlātus, past participle of prōferre to bring forward, extend; see pro-1, oblate1

Other words from prolate

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

Words Nearby prolate

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How to use prolate in a sentence

  • The immediate inference from this was that, the degree diminishing with increasing latitude, the earth must be a prolate spheroid.

  • The prolate or lemon-like shape is caused by the gravitative pull of the earth, balanced by the centrifugal whirl.

    Pioneers of Science | Oliver Lodge
  • Each disk has become prolate in the same sort of fashion as yielding globes do.

    Pioneers of Science | Oliver Lodge
  • Two spheres revolving round each other can only remain spherical if rigid; if at all plastic they become prolate.

    Pioneers of Science | Oliver Lodge
  • Mr. Murphy invites attention and objection to some assertions, as that the earth is prolate, not oblate.

British Dictionary definitions for prolate

prolate

/ (ˈprəʊleɪt) /


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

Origin of prolate

1
C17: from Latin prōferre to enlarge

Derived forms of prolate

  • prolately, adverb
  • prolateness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012