Entry Word: duration

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the period during which something exists, lasts, or is in progress <for the whole duration of the speech the bored audience fidgeted>

Synonyms date, life, life span, lifetime, run, standing, time

Related Words spell, stretch; span, tenure, term; hitch, tour, turn

2 uninterrupted or lasting existence <scientists warning that the very duration of our civilization depends upon finding a solution to this major environmental problem> — see continuation