lengthwise
UK: ˈlɛŋθwaɪz | US: ˈlɛŋθwaɪz
adj. in the direction of the length; longitudinal
adv. in the direction of the length
The word combines "length" (Old English lengþu, from Proto-Germanic langithō, meaning "longness") with the suffix "-wise" (Old English -wīs, meaning "manner or direction"). Originally, "-wise" denoted physical direction (e.g., "sideways"), but it later generalized to abstract relations (e.g., "otherwise"). Here, it preserves its spatial sense, forming an adjective/adverb indicating alignment along an object’s longest dimension.
Cut the fabric lengthwise to ensure the stripes align properly.
The logs were stacked lengthwise against the shed.
She folded the paper lengthwise to fit it into the envelope.
The river flows lengthwise through the valley.
The engineer measured the beam lengthwise for accuracy.