span

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\ ˈspan

Definition of span

(Entry 1 of 4)

archaic past tense of spin

span

noun (1)

Definition of span (Entry 2 of 4)

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 as

a : a limited space (as of time) especially : an individual's lifetime

b : the spread or extent between abutments or supports (as of a bridge) also : a portion thus supported

c : the maximum distance laterally from tip to tip of an airplane

span

verb

spanned; spanning

Definition of span (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

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

b : measure

2a : to extend across a career that spanned four decades

b : to form an arch over a small bridge spanned the pond

c : 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

span

noun

Definition of span (Entry 4 of 4)

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

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Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing span Learn More About span

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Examples of span in a Sentence

Verb His career as a singer spanned three decades. Their empire once spanned several continents. Her academic interests span a wide variety of topics. A bridge spans the river.

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