1span1 (spæn
)
Definitions
noun
- the interval, space, or distance between two points, such as the ends of a bridge or arch
- the complete duration or extent ⇒
the span of his life
- psychology the amount of material that can be processed in a single mental act ⇒
apprehension span
span of attention
- short for wingspan
- a unit of length based on the width of an expanded hand, usually taken as nine inches
verb
Word forms: spans, spanning, spanned
(tr) - to stretch or extend across, over, or around
- to provide with something that extends across or around ⇒
to span a river with a bridge
- to measure or cover, esp with the extended hand
Word Origin
Old English spann; related to Old Norse sponn, Old High German spannaSynonyms
View thesaurus entry2span2 (spæn)
Definitions
noun
- a team of horses or oxen, esp two matched animals
Word Origin
C16 (in the sense: yoke): from Middle Dutch: something stretched, from spannen to stretch; see spanC16 (in the sense: yoke): from Middle Dutch: something stretched, from to stretch; see 1Usage examples
It was only the children who knew their real nature who could outlive their Biblical span.
, GALILEE (2001)These days, many more of you are taking holidays that span the whole Christmas to New Year period.
New Scientist (1998)It is thought that some commissions will span a number of strands.
Irish Times (2002)His simple task was to keep the place spick and span and to maintain the supply of juniper branches for our fragrant fire.
Glasgow Herald (2001)As we have a longer life span today, the Line could cover 80 years.
, THORSONS WAY OF - PALMISTRY (2002)