Search results for 'inch':

inch¹ noun (inches) 1 in the imperial system: a unit of length equal to 2.54cm or one twelfth of a foot. 2 meteorol, especially formerly the amount of rain or snow that will cover a surface to the depth of one inch, now usually measured in millimetres. 3 meteorol, especially formerly a unit of pressure equal to the amount of atmospheric pressure required to balance the weight of a column of mercury one inch high, now usually measured in millibars. 4 (also inches) a small amount or distance • It wouldn't budge an inch • The ball only missed me by inches. 5 (inches) stature. 6 in compounds • inch-tape. verb (inched, inching) tr & intr (especially inch along, forward, out, etc) to move or be moved slowly, carefully and by small degrees • inched forward to see if any cars were coming. See also inch something out below. every inch completely; in every way • He's every inch a gentleman. inch by inch or by inches gradually; by small degrees. within an inch of something very close to or almost as far as it. within an inch of one's life almost to the point of death; very thoroughly • beat him within an inch of his life.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon ynce, from Latin uncia a twelfth part; see also ounce¹.

inch² noun, especially Scots often in place names: a small island.
ETYMOLOGY: 15c: from Gaelic innis an island or land next to a river.