The word "prolate" is an adjective used mainly in geometry and mathematics. Here’s a simple explanation:
Prolate describes a shape that is rounded like an egg, where the distance between the top and bottom (called the polar diameter) is longer than the distance across the middle (called the equatorial diameter). So, if you imagine an egg standing on its end, that’s a prolate shape!
You can use "prolate" when discussing shapes, especially in geometry or when describing objects that resemble an egg. It’s not a common word in everyday conversation, but it’s useful in scientific contexts.
In mathematics, a prolate spheroid is specifically formed by rotating an ellipse around its major axis. This term is often used in discussions about planetary shapes, satellite orbits, and various fields of physics and engineering.
While "prolate" mainly refers to the shape in geometry, in some contexts, it can also refer to the elongation of something in a general sense.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "prolate," as it is a technical term used primarily in scientific contexts.
To sum up, "prolate" is a term used to describe an egg-shaped object where the vertical measurement is greater than the horizontal measurement.