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   Span

   /span/

   

   noun

   • 1. the full extent of something from end to end; the amount of space that something covers: "a warehouse with a clear span of 28 feet" Similar (full) extentlengthwidthreachstretchspreaddistancecompassrange
   • ▪ the length of time for which something lasts: "a short concentration span" Similar periodspacetimedurationstretchcourseintervalseasonterm
   • ▪ the wingspan of an aircraft or a bird. Similar (full) extentlengthwidthreachstretchspreaddistancecompassrange
   • ▪ an arch or part of a bridge between piers or supports.
   • ▪ the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger, taken as the basis of a measurement equal to 9 inches.
   • ▪ a short distance or time.

   verb

   • 1. (of a bridge, arch, etc.) extend from side to side of: "the stream was spanned by a narrow bridge" Similar bridgecrosstraversepass overarch overvault over
   • ▪ extend across (a period of time or a range of subjects): "their interests span almost all the conventional disciplines" Similar extend overlaststretch acrossspread overcoverrange overcomprisecompass
   • ▪ cover or enclose with the length of one's hand: "her waist was slender enough for him to span with his hands"

   Word Origin Old English, ‘distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger’, of Germanic origin; reinforced in Middle English by Old French espan.

   Scrabble Points: 6

   • S

     1

   • P

     3

   • A

     1

   • N

     1

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