noun
expanse
ik-SPANS/ɪkˈspæns/
A wide, continuous area or stretch of something.
A broad expanse of grass reaches toward distant trees.
Etymology
The roots convey “spread out.” A Latin form meaning “spread out” was used as a noun, connecting the action of spreading with the broad, uninterrupted area that an expanse names.
In context
The broad expanse of Lake Superior reaches far beyond the eye.
More examples
- They crossed an expanse of open water.
- The roof formed an unbroken expanse of slate.
- Snow covered the broad expanse of the field.
Forms
expanse · expanses