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Spanned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒ‰
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spanned

[spรฆndษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action performed

The term 'spanned' is the past tense of the verb 'span'. It refers to the action of extending across a certain distance, area, or time. This can mean covering something physically, like a bridge spanning a river, or metaphorically, like spanning several decades of history. It is often used in both technical and everyday contexts to describe measurement, reach, or coverage.

Synonyms

bridged, crossed, extended.

Examples of usage

  • The bridge spanned the entire length of the river.
  • Her career spanned over three decades.
  • The artist's influence spanned multiple art movements.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, span can refer to the distance a wave stretches across space or through mediums.
  • In biology, the span of an animal's wings can define its flying capabilities.
  • Span is used in architecture to describe the distance between supports in structures, such as bridges.

Culture

  • In literature, spanning across different times or places can create a rich narrative experience.
  • When artists 'span' multiple genres or styles, they often create crossover works that blend elements from each.
  • Historical events are often described as having 'spanned' generations, indicating their long-lasting impact on society.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, the concept of span refers to the smallest set of vectors that can represent all elements of a certain space.
  • In statistics, span can describe the range of values in a dataset, showing the extent of variation.
  • Span in computer science can refer to the coverage of data across networks, indicating how wide a system's reach is.

Technology

  • In computing, data spanned across multiple systems can improve processing efficiency and storage.
  • Span in networking refers to how connections reach across different devices, enhancing communication.
  • Cloud computing services often span various locations globally, allowing for streamlined access to resources.

Origin of 'spanned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'spanian,' which meant to stretch or extend.
  • It has connections to the Proto-Germanic word '*spanan,' which also relates to stretching.
  • The 'span' in English has been used since the 14th century to describe the distance across something.

The word 'span' originates from the Old English term 'spanian', which meant to extend or measure. The transition from this ancient term to the modern form has seen it evolve in usage and meaning. Originally, 'span' referred to physical dimensions, often relating to the distance between two points or ends. Over time, the word began to encompass broader meanings, including temporal spans and metaphorical uses. The suffix โ€˜-edโ€™ indicates the past tense, signalling that the action has already taken place. In many texts, the concept of spanning has been essential in contexts ranging from engineering and architecture to everyday speech, when describing coverage of different types.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,302, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.