extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten(t)-shən 

1

a

: the action of extending : state of being extended

b

: an enlargement in scope or operation

tools are extensions of human hands

2

a

: the total range over which something extends : compass

b

: denotation sense 4

3

a

: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position

b

: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 4a

4

: a property whereby something occupies space

5

: an increase in length of time

specifically : an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession

6

: a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (such as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources

7

a

: a part constituting an addition

b

: a section or line segment forming an additional length

c

: an extra telephone connected to the principal line

d

: a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair

e

: a series of usually three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose

8

: a mathematical set (such as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset

Synonyms

• drawing out
• elongation
• lengthening
• prolongation
• prolonging
• stretching

Examples of extension in a Sentence

extension of the patient's life

He's asking for a contract extension.

Make sure that the muscles get the proper amount of extension.

I missed the deadline but was granted an extension.

Recent Examples on the Web

Miami Pick: Offensive line With QB Tua Tagovailoa nearing the end of his rookie contract, and an extension north of $200 million in the works, the O-line is GM Chris Grier’s top priority. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024

Big toe extension: Start by sitting or standing comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2024

Planning for the eight-station light rail extension began in 2012 and construction started in 2019. —Lux Butler, The Arizona Republic, 25 Apr. 2024

In a statement, Jones said the extension was granted because of the pandemic. —Ryan Martin and Kaitlin Lange, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Apr. 2024

The bill stipulates that ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, can no longer control the social media site's algorithm, and has nine months to sell the site, with a three-month extension in the circumstance that a sale is in progress, but not completed, by that deadline. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2024

Triceps extensions: Hold a dumbbell with both hands, extend your arms above your head, then lower the weight behind your head by bending your elbows at 90 degrees. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024

Flannery highlighted the extension of SBA Communication’s buyback program, potential M&A activity, and interest rate cuts, as well as the defensive nature of communications infrastructure stocks, as positive catalysts for its stock moving forward. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024

The Corner Ballpark serves as hub for youth activities during the draft, and the historic old Tiger Stadium site will offer an extension of activities a few miles away at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park. —Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin extension-, extensio, from Latin extendere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing extension

• extension agent
• extension cord
• extension lead

Kids Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən 

1

: the act of extending : the state of being extended

2

: an increase in time

was given an extension to finish his project

3

: education by special programs at a distance from a school

4

a

: a part forming an addition or increase

b

: an extra telephone connected to the main line

Medical Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən 

1

: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position

2

: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 1

Legal Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion

: an increase in length of time

specifically : an increase in the time allowed under an agreement