Span: meaning, definitions and examples

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span

 

[ span ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

language

The language of Spain, spoken by the vast majority of inhabitants.

Synonyms

Castilian

Examples of usage

  • She is fluent in Spanish.
  • I want to learn Spanish next year.
Context #2 | Noun

measurement

A unit of linear measure equivalent to 9 inches (22.9 cm), used especially in reference to the height of horses.

Examples of usage

  • The horse stands at 15 spans high.
Context #3 | Verb

extend across

To stretch out over a distance or area.

Synonyms

cover, cross

Examples of usage

  • The bridge spans the river.
  • His influence spans multiple industries.

Translations

Translations of the word "span" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intervalo

🇮🇳 अंतराल

🇩🇪 Spanne

🇮🇩 rentang

🇺🇦 проміжок

🇵🇱 okres

🇯🇵 期間

🇫🇷 intervalle

🇪🇸 intervalo

🇹🇷 aralık

🇰🇷 기간

🇸🇦 فترة

🇨🇿 rozpětí

🇸🇰 rozpätie

🇨🇳 跨度

🇸🇮 razpon

🇮🇸 tímaspönn

🇰🇿 аралық

🇬🇪 შუალედი

🇦🇿 aralıq

🇲🇽 intervalo

Etymology

The word 'span' originates from Old English 'spann', which referred to the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended. It later evolved to also mean a unit of measure. The term 'span' as a language is derived from the country Spain, where Spanish is predominantly spoken. In the context of measurement, the term 'span' has been used for centuries to measure the height of horses.

See also: spanner.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,948, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.