Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Deviating from a square or circle by being elongated in one direction: Describes a shape that is longer than it is wide, with sides that are roughly parallel.
   • Having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides: Used specifically in botany to describe the shape of a leaf.

2. Noun:

   • A plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation: A shape, such as a rectangle or an ellipse, that is longer in one direction than the other.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The park had an oblong pond that was perfect for rowing.
  • The leaf was oblong with a smooth margin.
• Noun:
  • She drew an oblong on the paper to represent the table.
  • The cake was baked in an oblong pan.

Advanced Usage

• In technical contexts: In geometry, an oblong is often used to mean a non-square rectangle (i.e., a rectangle with unequal adjacent sides).
  • Calculate the area of the oblong.
• In everyday description: Used to describe any object with a stretched, rectangular, or elliptical form.
  • He held an oblong package under his arm.

Variants and Related Words

• Oblongata (n): A part of the brainstem (medulla oblongata), named for its elongated shape. This is a specialized compound term.
• Oblongish (adj): Somewhat oblong in shape.

Synonyms

• Rectangular: Having the shape of a rectangle.
• Elongated: Drawn out in length.
• Elliptical: Shaped like an ellipse or oval.

Antonyms

• Square: Having four equal sides and four right angles.
• Circular: Shaped like a circle.
• Equidimensional: Having roughly equal dimensions in all directions.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Oblong" is a descriptive term and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs. Its usage is primarily literal.)

Adjective

1. deviating from a square or circle or sphere by being elongated in one direction
2. (of a leaf shape) having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides

Noun

1. a plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation