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spang
spangle
Spanglish
Spaniard
spaniel
Spanish
Spanish America
Spanish bayonet
Spanish cedar
Spanish chestnut
Spanish dagger
Spanish fly
Spanish guitar
Spanish ham
Spanish Inquisition
Spanish mackerel
Spanish Main
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span (1)

span [ span ]


noun  (plural spans)
Definition:
 
1. distance between limits: the distance or expanse between two extremes or limits

2. distance between bridge supports: the extent or space between abutments or supports, e.g. on a bridge or arch, or a portion of the structure that is supported in this way

3. aviation 
Same as  wingspan


4. period for maintenance of cognitive function: the period of time during which a mental function or act can be maintained
a short attention span

5. period of time: a period of time, especially the lifetime of a person

6. measurements old measurement: an old measurement based on the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand, approximately 23 cm (9 in)



transitive verb  (past and past participle spanned, present participle span·ning, 3rd person present singular spans)
Definition:
 
1. extend over or across something: to reach or extend over or across something

2. measure something with the hand: to measure something by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb fully extended

[ Old English spann< Germanic]
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