span

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[[t]spæn[/t]]

n. v. spanned, span•ning

1) the full extent, stretch, or reach of something

2) a period of time during which something continues; duration

3) archit. civ

a) the distance or space between two supports of a structure, as an arch or a bridge

b) the part of the structure between the supports

4) wam the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended

5) wam a unit of length corresponding to this distance, commonly taken as 9 inches (23 cm)

6) a distance, amount, piece, etc., of this length or of some small extent

7) aer.

wingspan 1)

8) to extend or reach over or across (space or time)

9) to provide with something that extends over or across:

to span a river with a bridge[/ex]

10) wam to measure by the hand with the thumb and little finger extended

11) to encircle with the hand or hands

12) spo to bend (a bow) in preparation for shooting

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Etymology: bef. 900; OE span(n), spon(n), c. MD spanne, OHG spanna, ON spǫnn; (v.) in part < MD, MLGspannen(cf. span II, spanner) II

span

[[t]spæn[/t]] n.

a pair of horses or other animals harnessed and driven together

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Etymology: 1760–70, amer.; < D: team (of oxen, horses) III

span

[[t]spæn[/t]] v. archaic

a pt. of spin