inch

noun (1)

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\ ˈinch

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

3 inches plural : stature, height

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

: to the utmost degree looks every inch a winner

inch by inch

: very gradually or slowly

within an inch of

: almost to the point of came within an inch of succeeding

inch

verb

inched; inching; inches

Definition of inch (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to move by small degrees : progress slowly the long line of people inching up the stairs

transitive verb

: 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about inch

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Did You Know?

The ancient Romans used a system of weights and measures based on units divided into 12 parts. Thus the Latin uncia, meaning “a 12th part,” designated the 12th part of a foot. From this is derived Old English ince or ynce and modern English inch. The Roman pound was also divided into 12 parts, similarly designated by the word uncia. In this sense uncia followed a different path and became Middle English unce or ounce, which was the 12th part of a pound in the troy system. In the avoirdupois system, which is more widely used, the pound is larger and equals 16 ounces. The English noun inch dates to before the 12th century; the verb meaning “to move very slowly” does not appear until around 1600.