A prolate spheroid is a three-dimensional shape that looks like a stretched-out sphere. While not a common term in everyday conversations, there are several synonyms that can be used to describe this shape. These include oblate ellipsoid, rugby ball, and pumpkin shape. The term oblate ellipsoid refers to a shape that is flattened at the poles, which is essentially the opposite of a prolate spheroid. The terms rugby ball and pumpkin shape are descriptive names that are based on familiar objects. Regardless of the terminology used, the prolate spheroid is a fascinating shape that can be found in many aspects of science and nature.