Which term describes a shape that is elongated and longer than its width?

The term that describes a shape that is elongated and longer than its width is "elliptical." The definition of elliptical refers specifically to shapes that are oval in nature, resembling the outline of an ellipse. Ellipses are characterized by their longer axis, which stretches further than the shorter axis, giving them that elongated appearance.

In contrast, the other terms refer to specific geometric shapes that do not inherently convey the idea of elongation. A rectangular shape features opposite sides that are equal in length but does not necessarily imply a significant difference in width and length; it can have varying proportions. Circular shapes are perfectly round, and their width and length are equal, which eliminates any aspect of elongation. A quadrilateral, while it can take on many forms (including rectangles and rhombuses), does not specifically denote an elongated shape. Therefore, "elliptical" is the most accurate term to describe a shape that is distinctly longer than it is wide.