prolungato

Prolungato is an Italian adjective meaning extended or prolonged. It comes from the verb prolungare, to prolong, which in turn derives from Latin prolongatus. As an adjective, it agrees with the noun it modifies: prolungato (masculine singular), prolungata (feminine singular), prolungati (masculine plural), prolungate (feminine plural). The corresponding adverb is prolungatamente.

The term is widely used to describe time, duration, or extent that has been lengthened. Examples include periodi prolungati, tempo prolungato, dolore prolungato, and una crisi prolungata. In everyday speech it signals that something has exceeded a normal or expected length.

In specialized contexts the word frequently appears in two main areas. In medicine and pharmacology, rilascio prolungato and azione prolungata refer to extended-release formulations or effects that persist longer than standard ones. In legal, business, and technical language, periodi o pause prolungati describe extended intervals or pauses, and attività prolungata can denote prolonged activity or operation.

Prolungato also functions as a standard past participle of prolungare when used attributively or predicatively, and it may be augmented by adjectives to convey degree or intensity (e.g., considerevolmente prolungato, estremamente prolungato).

See also: prolongation, extended release, esteso.