Span: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Old English 'span', meaning 'to stretch out'.
• Related to the Proto-Germanic word 'spanō', which indicated a span made by hand.
• It evolved over time to represent both distance and time.

Science

• In biology, a 'span' can refer to the wingspan of birds, indicating their flight capability.
• In engineering, a span refers to the space between two supports in structures like bridges.
• In psychology, the term 'attention span' is the length of time a person can focus on a task.

Architecture

• In architecture, creating a large span in design allows for open, unobstructed spaces.
• Famous structures like the Sydney Harbour Bridge showcase impressive spans in design.
• Materials like steel and reinforced concrete enable greater spans than traditional materials.

Literature

• Novelists often use time spans in their narratives to illustrate character development and change.
• In poetry, the span of a line can affect the rhythm and flow of a poem.
• The concept of bridging spans is often used metaphorically in literature to discuss connections and relationships.

Cultural References

• The phrase 'to span generations' shows how something can connect people across different ages.
• In music, spans are used to describe intervals, such as from one note to another.
• In sports, athletes are often noted for their jumps or spans, highlighting their physical abilities.

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

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