# elongate

/ɪˈɫɔŋɡeɪt/ (US) · /ɪlˈɒŋɡeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elongate
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

to make something longer or to become longer. In science, it often describes how parts of a plant or animal stretch out.

For teachers: to lengthen or cause to become longer. Often describes the physical extension of biological structures or the stretching of light in astronomical contexts.

## Examples

- The sunflower stem will elongate as it grows toward the light.
- During the dry season, the roots of the desert plant will elongate to reach deeper water sources.
- The gravitational pull of the moon causes the Earth's oceans to elongate slightly, resulting in the predictable rise and fall of the tides.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.