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longitudinal

longitudinal

1 7.3
Running from one end of an object to the other along its length
  • adjective
  • /ˌlɔːn.dʒɪˈtud.ɪ.nəl/
translation icon : longitudinal
  • The ship's longitudinal stability was tested during harsh weather conditions.
  • longitudinal axis
  • longitudinal section
  • longitudinal acceleration

Examples

  • In the study, the researchers measured longitudinal data to track changes over time.

  • Large-scale flow experiments are embedded in river networks exhibiting strong longitudinal and lateral connectivity.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And so higher energy translate to higher longitudinal motion, faster longitudinal motion.

  • We call this a longitudinal arc, and another goes side to side to reduce muscle usage.

  • Nevertheless, there is phase separation at small volumes, and a longitudinal fold is present.

    Academic text (2002)
  • They can either be longitudinal or transverse.

  • Rivers are open systems in which sites are embedded in networks, often with strong longitudinal and lateral connectivity.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The data were not longitudinal and thus provide only a snapshot of current opinions of Western Australian adolescents.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Traditionally, temporal bone fractures are classified into two fundamental types: longitudinal and transverse fractures.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The engineers designed a longitudinal beam to support the weight of the building.

Antonyms

8 6.8

Lying across something, usually at right angles to its main direction

Surface Forms

longitudinal positive

Morphology

longitudinal = longitude (semi-transparent) = longitude + al

The form is transparently built from 'longitude' plus '-al', but the lengthwise sense has drifted somewhat from the base noun.

Etymology

Longitudinal comes from the root longus ('long'), just like the words long and length, so it means 'running lengthwise' or along the long side of something.