Wingspan: meaning, definitions and examples
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wingspan
[ ˈwɪŋˌspæn ]
bird measurement
Wingspan refers to the full distance between the tips of a bird's wings when they are fully extended. It is an important measurement in ornithology as it helps to determine the size and capabilities of different bird species. The wingspan can vary significantly between different species; for example, larger birds such as eagles can have a much larger wingspan compared to smaller birds like sparrows. This measurement is crucial for understanding flight mechanics and behaviors in birds.
Synonyms
wing length, wingspread
Examples of usage
- The wingspan of the bald eagle can reach up to 7 feet.
- Ornithologists often use wingspan measurements to compare different bird species.
- The wingspan of a hummingbird is surprisingly short compared to its body size.
human measurement
In human anatomy, the term wingspan is sometimes used to describe the distance from the tip of one hand to the tip of the other hand when the arms are fully outstretched. This measurement can give insights into a person's reach and is often compared to their height. Athletes, especially in sports like basketball, may have a larger wingspan that can confer advantages in performance.
Synonyms
arm span, reach
Examples of usage
- His wingspan is impressive, making him a strong contender in basketball.
- She has a wingspan that is equal to her height.
- Wingspan can be an important factor in sports performance.
Translations
Translations of the word "wingspan" in other languages:
🇵🇹 envergadura
🇮🇳 पंखों का फैलाव
🇩🇪 Flügelspannweite
🇮🇩 rentang sayap
🇺🇦 розмах крил
🇵🇱 rozpiętość skrzydeł
🇯🇵 翼幅
🇫🇷 envergure
🇪🇸 envergadura
🇹🇷 kanat açıklığı
🇰🇷 날개 길이
🇸🇦 امتداد الأجنحة
🇨🇿 rozpětí křídel
🇸🇰 rozpätie krídel
🇨🇳 翼展
🇸🇮 razpon kril
🇮🇸 vængja
🇰🇿 қанаттың ұзындығы
🇬🇪 ფრთების სიგრძე
🇦🇿 qanad uzunluğu
🇲🇽 envergadura
Etymology
The term 'wingspan' is derived from the combination of two English words: 'wing' and 'span.' The word 'wing' can be traced back to the Old English word 'wenge' or 'wung,' which means 'wing, fin, or arm.' The word 'span,' meanwhile, has origins in Middle English and can be derived from the Old English 'spanian,' which refers to grasping or stretching out. The use of 'wingspan' in the context of measurement began appearing in ornithological texts in the early 20th century, emphasizing the significance of this measurement in the study of bird species and their flight dynamics. As ornithology developed as a science, precise measurements like wingspan became essential for classification and understanding avian behaviors.