Main Entry: length

Pronunciation: \ˈleŋ(k)th, ˈlen(t)th\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural lengths \ˈleŋ(k)ths, ˈlen(t)ths, ˈleŋ(k)s\

Etymology: Middle English lengthe, from Old English lengthu, from lang long

Date: before 12th century

1 a : the longer or longest dimension of an object b : a measured distance or dimension <10 feet in length> — see metric system table, weight table c : the quality or state of being long
2 a : duration or extent in time b : relative duration or stress of a sound
3 a : distance or extent in space b : the length of something taken as a unit of measure <his horse led by a length>
4 : the degree to which something (as a course of action or a line of thought) is carried —often used in plural <went to great lengths to learn the truth>
5 a : a long expanse or stretch b : a piece constituting or usable as part of a whole or of a connected series : section <a length of pipe>
6 : the longer or vertical dimension of a piece of clothing —often used in combination <elbow-length sleeves>

— at length 1 : fully, comprehensively
2 : at last : finally