span

1 :  the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand; also :  an English unit of length equal to nine inches (22.9 centimeters)

2 :  an extent, stretch, reach, or spread between two limits: such asa :  a limited space (as of time); especially :  an individual's lifetimeb :  the spread or extent between abutments or supports (as of a bridge); also :  a portion thus supportedc :  the maximum distance laterally from tip to tip of an airplane

1a :  to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extendedb :  measure

2a :  to extend across a career that spanned four decadesb :  to form an arch over a small bridge spanned the pondc :  to place or construct a span over

3 :  to be capable of expressing any element of under given operations a set of vectors that spans a vector space

:  a pair of animals (such as mules) usually matched in appearance and action and driven together

1 :  a limited portion of time span of life I learned to ski in the span of one hour.

2 :  the spread (as of an arch or bridge) from one support to another

3 :  the width of something from one side to another

1 :  to reach or extend across A bridge spans the river.

2 :  to continue over a period of time The actor's career spanned five decades.

1:  an extent of distance or of time; especially :  life span

2:  memory span