Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having the equatorial diameter greater than the polar diameter; being flattened at the poles: In geometry and astronomy, this describes a sphere that is flattened at its poles, making its shape slightly elliptical when viewed from the side. This is the opposite of prolate.

2. Noun:

   • A lay person dedicated to religious work or the religious life: In a religious context, this refers to a person, not a member of the clergy, who has formally dedicated themselves to the service of a monastery, church, or religious order, often while living in the secular world.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The planet Saturn is noticeably oblate due to its rapid rotation.
  • An oblate spheroid is a common model for the shape of the Earth.

• Noun:

  • She became an oblate of the Benedictine order, committing to a life of prayer and service.
  • The monastery welcomed both monks and oblates into its spiritual community.

Advanced Usage

• "Oblate spheroid": A specific geometric term for a sphere flattened at the poles, like the shape of Earth and many other planets.
  • Geodesy uses the oblate spheroid as a reference surface for mapping.

Variants and Related Words

• Oblateness (n): The quality or state of being oblate; the degree of flattening.
  • The oblateness of Jupiter is easily observed through a telescope.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Flattened, ellipsoidal (when referring to the specific geometric shape).
• Noun: Lay associate, secular oblate, consecrated layperson.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Prolate (elongated at the poles).

Adjective

1. having the equatorial diameter greater than the polar diameter; being flattened at the poles

Noun

1. a lay person dedicated to religious work or the religious life