What is an elongated galaxy?

An elongated galaxy, often referred to as a lenticular galaxy, is a type of galaxy that has a prominent disk shape but lacks significant spiral arms. These galaxies typically feature a smooth, featureless appearance and possess a central bulge, making them appear more elongated than spiral galaxies. They are often found in galaxy clusters and can contain older stars and less interstellar gas and dust compared to their spiral counterparts. Examples of elongated galaxies include NGC 5866 and NGC 1023.