Prolate (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Having the polar diameter greater than the equatorial diameter; "a prolate spheroid is generated by revolving an ellipse about its major axis".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The Earth is slightly prolate, meaning its polar diameter is about 42 kilometers greater than its equatorial diameter.
- A prolate spheroid is generated by revolving an ellipse about its major axis, resulting in a shape that is elongated at the poles.
- The rugby ball is a classic example of a prolate spheroid, with its length being greater than its width.
- The planet Saturn is also prolate, with its equatorial diameter being about 10% less than its polar diameter.
- In astronomy, a prolate spheroid is often used to model the shape of rotating stars, which bulge at the equator due to centrifugal force.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Meaning 2
Rounded like an egg.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The prolate shape of the football made it aerodynamically stable in flight.
- The Earth is actually a prolate spheroid, meaning it's slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator.
- The artist's rendering of the planet depicted it as a prolate ellipsoid, with its major axis aligned with its orbit.
- The rugby ball's prolate shape allows it to fly straight and true when kicked or passed.
- The oblate and prolate shapes of the orbiting bodies affected the gravitational forces acting upon them.