Pronunciation: [lˈɒŋ nˈɛk] (IPA) 
The spelling of "long neck" is straightforward and follows the phonetic rules of English. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound, as in "goat", and the "ng" sound, as in "sing", is represented by the letters "ng". The second syllable has a short "e" sound, as in "pet", followed by the "k" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of "long neck" is /lɔːŋ nɛk/.
Long neck refers to an elongated and extended part of the anatomy of certain organisms, typically describing the neck of animals but equally applicable to human beings. It is characterized by its increased length relative to the body, often leading to an extended reach, enhanced mobility, and distinct structural features. This term is commonly associated with several species, including but not limited to giraffes, birds, turtles, and dinosaurs.
In the natural world, the long neck adaptation serves various purposes. In giraffes, for instance, their elongated necks enable them to reach leaves and foliage located high up in trees, resulting in resource access and dietary advantages. Similarly, for birds, a long neck enhances their ability to forage for food in water bodies or among vegetation, granting them a competitive advantage when feeding on aquatic organisms or insects.
The structure and functionality of a long neck are influenced by the skeletal system and muscular arrangement, which support the neck's flexibility, strength, and stability. Additionally, other anatomical features, such as elongated vertebrae, specialized joints, and tendon attachments, contribute to the efficient movement and positioning of the neck.
Beyond the realm of the animal kingdom, the term "long neck" can be metaphorically used to describe objects or abstract concepts sharing a similar elongated or extended characteristic. Whether referring to a bottle design, musical instrument, or even a notorious English beer brand, the term serves to describe items that possess an above-average length or extension in comparison to the norm.
The word "long neck" is a combination of the adjective "long" and the noun "neck".
The etymology of "long" can be traced back to the Old English word "lang", which meant "long" or "extended". It has Germanic roots and can be linked to similar words in other Germanic languages like Old High German "lang" and Old Norse "langr".
The word "neck" has a different origin. It comes from the Old English word "hnecca", which referred to the back of the neck or the nape. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hnakkaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*knok-", both meaning "neck".
When combined, the words "long" and "neck" describe a physical characteristic of having an extended or elongated neck.
