LONG, adj. A relative term, denoting the distance between the extremes of any body which is extended more in one of its geometrical dimensions than in another. It is opposed to short.
ground, it is quite proper and necessary. Thus we do not say a long, but a tall or high tree, while it is growing; but we say a long, not a tall log of wood; and in the same manner we say a tall mast when it is fixed in the ship, but a long mast while it lies upon the beach. See TALL and HIGH.