Search results for 'stretch':

stretch verb (stretches, stretched, stretching) 1 tr & intr to make or become temporarily or permanently longer or wider by pulling or drawing out. 2 intrans to extend in space or time. 3 tr & intr to straighten and extend the body or part of the body, eg when waking or reaching out. 4 tr & intr to make or become tight or taut. 5 intrans to lie at full length. 6 intrans to be extendable without breaking. 7 tr & intr to last or make something last longer through economical use. 8 (also stretch out) to prolong or last. 9 to make extreme demands on or severely test (eg resources or physical abilities) • The course stretched even the brightest students. 10 to exaggerate (the truth, a story, etc). noun (stretches) 1 an act of stretching, especially (a part of) the body. 2 a period of time; a spell. 3 an expanse, eg of land or water. 4 capacity to extend or expand. 5 horse-racing a straight part on a race-track or course, especially the part that leads up to the finishing line. 6 colloq a difficult task or test • a bit of a stretch to get there by six. 7 slang a term of imprisonment • did a three year stretch for armed robbery. stretchable adj. stretchability noun. stretched adj. at a stretch 1 continuously; without interruption. 2 with difficulty. stretch a point 1 to agree to something not strictly in keeping with the rules; to bend the rules. 2 to exaggerate. stretch one's legs to take a short walk to invigorate oneself after inactivity.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon streccan.