cigarshaped

Cigar-shaped is a descriptive term used to characterize objects that are elongated and cylindrical, with roughly rounded ends, resembling a cigar. The term is commonly applied in everyday language as well as in scientific and technical writing to convey silhouette rather than precise measurements. The descriptor implies a relatively high length-to-diameter ratio and a smooth, continuous surface without significant irregularities.

In usage, cigar-shaped is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective, as in a cigar-shaped asteroid or a cigar-shaped galaxy. It functions as a qualitative description rather than a formal geometric category, and writers may choose varying degrees of precision depending on context. The etymology is straightforward, drawing on the familiar form of a cigar to evoke a slender, elongated profile.

In astronomy, cigar-shaped describes certain elongated celestial objects whose appearance is narrow and extended along one axis. Notable examples include elongated galaxies and nebulae that have a slender, filamentary look when viewed from Earth or another vantage point. Some galaxies and other astronomical structures are colloquially referred to as cigar-shaped because their silhouettes are markedly elongated.

In biology and microbiology, the term is used informally to describe elongated cells or virions that resemble a cigar. This usage helps convey shape in descriptive passages about certain bacteria, viruses, or other microscopic forms, though it is not a formal taxonomic or morphological category. For precision, authors may instead specify dimensions, aspect ratios, or optical characteristics when available.

See also fusiform and spindle-shaped.