extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten(t)-shən 

1

a

: the action of extending : state of being extended

b

: an enlargement in scope or operation

tools are extensions of human hands

2

a

: the total range over which something extends : compass

b

: denotation sense 4

3

a

: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position

b

: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 4a

4

: a property whereby something occupies space

5

: an increase in length of time

specifically : an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession

6

: a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (such as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources

7

a

: a part constituting an addition

b

: a section or line segment forming an additional length

c

: an extra telephone connected to the principal line

d

: a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair

e

: a series of usually three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose

8

: a mathematical set (such as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset

Synonyms

• drawing out
• elongation
• lengthening
• prolongation
• prolonging
• stretching

Examples of extension in a Sentence

extension of the patient's life

He's asking for a contract extension.

Make sure that the muscles get the proper amount of extension.

I missed the deadline but was granted an extension.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's how to get a tax extension from the IRS in 2024 Track and field gold medalists will get $50,000 at Olympics How far will CD rates fall if the Fed cuts rates? —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2024

Grasping to salvage the measure before the law expires next week, Speaker Mike Johnson put forward a shorter extension — two years instead of five — in a move that appeared to win over hard-right Republicans who blocked the bill earlier this week. —Charlie Savage, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Michigan will accept a federal extension and then grant a state extension. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024

In addition to shortening the extension to two years, the Republican holdouts once again pushed for a bipartisan amendment that would require intelligence officers to obtain a warrant before accessing Americans’ data. —Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 12 Apr. 2024

The recall is an extension of a 2022 recall for the same problem, according to Ford. —Tom Krisher, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2024

What about the company Vertex didn’t buy? Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ decision to pay $4.9 billion for Alpine Immune Sciences cast a spotlight on the severe kidney disease IgA nephropathy — and, by extension, a company called Vera Therapeutics. —Damian Garde, STAT, 12 Apr. 2024

Here's what to know about filing and how to get an extension Federal judge rejects AG Kris Mayes, won't stop IRS from taxing Arizona's family rebate The 5 states with the highest inflation and the 5 with the lowest. —Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

By filing notice with the city clerk, Urban League of Greater Kansas City President Gwendolyn Grant and four other petitioners are attempting to put Platt’s 16% pay raise and contract extension on hold until after May 7 at the earliest. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin extension-, extensio, from Latin extendere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing extension

• extension agent
• extension cord
• extension lead

Kids Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən 

1

: the act of extending : the state of being extended

2

: an increase in time

was given an extension to finish his project

3

: education by special programs at a distance from a school

4

a

: a part forming an addition or increase

b

: an extra telephone connected to the main line

Medical Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən 

1

: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position

2

: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 1

Legal Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion

: an increase in length of time

specifically : an increase in the time allowed under an agreement