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

Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the western strike extension of IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Deposit. —Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024

Homebuyers who are put in your position do not ask for extensions. —Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2024

But coming on the heels of a dismal 2023, when hundreds of billions of loans coming due got short-term extensions, experts are on high alert that 2024 may not go better. —Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2024

He was ordered to remain behind bars pending trial at least until June 30, the fifth extension of his detention. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 30 Mar. 2024

The Celtics would prefer to keep Holiday who has also expressed interest in signing a long-term extension with the team. —Hunter Felt, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Those who oppose the extension question if the ACP is truly necessary to help low-income households afford internet access. —Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2024

One reason Gerstein recommends an extension this year: a bonus depreciation write-off used by many small businesses is set to decrease for 2023. —Mae Anderson, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2024

Taxpayers have until Monday to pay off delinquent property taxes, get into a payment plan or apply for an extension because of a financial hardship. —Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 28 Mar. 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 lead
• extension cord

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