Span Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช๐ธ
span
[span ]
Definitions
language
The language of Spain, spoken by the vast majority of inhabitants.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She is fluent in Spanish.
- I want to learn Spanish next year.
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'span'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'span', meaning 'to stretch out'.
- Related to the Proto-Germanic word 'spanล', which indicated a span made by hand.
- It evolved over time to represent both distance and time.
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.