Oblong

Oblong

Adjective / Noun · /ˈɒb.lɒŋ/

Definition

(Adjective) having a rectangular shape that is longer in one direction than the other; elongated from a square or circular form; (Noun) a rectangular shape or object that is longer than it is wide.

Origin

From Latin oblongus (rather long, elongated: ob- (in the direction of, towards) + longus (long)). The ob- prefix here acting as an intensifier or directional modifier rather than a negation — oblongus meaning long in that direction, elongated. Related to long, longitude, prolong, elongate. First appearing in English in the fifteenth century as both a geometrical term and a general adjective for elongated shapes.