longitudinal

adjective lohn-hee-too-dee-NAHL Rare

Origin: From Latin longitudinalis, from longitudo (length).

Usage Note

Longitudinal describes something running lengthwise along the longest axis of an object, or (in research) following the same subjects over a period of time. A estudio longitudinal (longitudinal study) tracks the same individuals over months or years, contrasting with a estudio transversal (cross-sectional study). In anatomy, sección longitudinal means a lengthwise cross-section.

Examples

"Hicieron un corte longitudinal del hueso para analizarlo."

Natural Translation

They made a longitudinal cut of the bone to analyze it.

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