Search results for 'span':

span¹ noun 1 a the distance, interval, length, etc between two points in space or time; b the length between the supports of a bridge, arch, pier, ceiling, etc; c the extent to which, or the duration of time for which, someone can concentrate, process information, listen attentively, etc; d the maximum distance between the tip of one wing and the tip of the other, eg in birds and planes; e in compounds • wingspan • timespan • lifespan. 2 a measure of length equal to the distance between the tips of thumb and little finger on an extended hand, which is conventionally taken as 9in (23cm). verb (spanned, spanning) 1 a said of a bridge, pier, ceiling, rainbow, etc: to extend across or over, especially in an arched shape • A rainbow spanned the sky; b to bridge (a river, etc) • spanned the river using logs. 2 to last • The feud spanned more than 30 years. 3 to measure or cover, eg by using an extended hand.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon spann.

span² noun 1 naut any of several kinds of ropes or chains that are used for securing, fastening, etc. 2 US a pair of horses or oxen, especially two that are very alike in size and colouring.
ETYMOLOGY: 18c: from Dutch and German spannen to unite or fasten.