Definition of inch
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: a unit of length equal to ¹/₃₆ yard — see Weights and Measures Table
2
: a small amount, distance, or degree
is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches— Milton Friedman
4a
: a fall (as of rain or snow) sufficient to cover a surface or to fill a gauge to the depth of one inch
b
: a degree of atmospheric or other pressure sufficient to balance the weight of a column of liquid (such as mercury) one inch high in a barometer or manometer
5
: a small advantage especially from lenient or compassionate treatment
—usually used in the phrase give an inch
every inch
inch by inch
within an inch of
: to the utmost degree
looks every inch a winner
: very gradually or slowly
: almost to the point of
came within an inch of succeeding
inch
verb
inched; inching; inches
Definition of inch (Entry 2 of 3)
: to move by small degrees : progress slowly
the long line of people inching up the stairs
: to cause to move slowly
sooner or later they begin inching prices back up — Forbes
inch
noun (2)Definition of inch (Entry 3 of 3)
chiefly Scotland
: island
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for inch
The first known use of inch was before the 12th century
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