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 long2 a: duration or extent in time b: relative duration or stress of a sound3 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, comprehensively2: at last : finally