Definition of span
- archaic past of spin
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Definition of 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 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
Origin and Etymology of span
Middle English, from Old English spann; akin to Old High German spanna span, Middle Dutch spannen to stretch, hitch up
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearDefinition of span
spanned;
spanning
1 a
: to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended
b
: measure
2 a
: 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
Examples of span in a Sentence
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.
First Known Use of span
1560
Definition of span
: a pair of animals (such as mules) usually matched in appearance and action and driven together
Origin and Etymology of span
Dutch, from Middle Dutch, from spannen to hitch up
SPAN Defined for English Language Learners
span
Definition of span for English Language Learners
-
: to continue throughout (a period of time)
-
: to cover or include (a wide area, a large number of things, etc.)
-
: to cross over (something)
SPAN Defined for Kids
Definition of span for Students
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
Definition of span for Students
spanned;
spanning
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.
Medical Dictionary
noun
\
ˈspan
\
medical Definition of span
1
: an extent of distance or of time;
especially
: life span
2
: memory span
Learn More about span
-
See words that rhyme with span Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for span Spanish Central: Translation of span Nglish: Translation of span for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of span for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about span
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