rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryspanExtent in space or time
noun / verb

span

SPAN/spˈæn/

The reach across a distance or period.

The stone bridge spans the river from bank to bank.

A simple stone bridge spans a river, a thin functional double-headed arrow extends exactly from one end to the other showing full length, no numerals.
Etymology
spanOld Englishoutstretched hand's width

A span originally measured the distance from the thumb to a finger of an outstretched hand. This concrete measure broadened to the extent between endpoints, including a duration.

In context

HISTORY3:02
The main suspension span between the towers is 4,200 feet long, which was 700 feet longer than that of the previous record holder-- New York's George Washington Bridge.
Colossal Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge | Modern Marvels (S2, E6) | Full Episode | History

More examples

  • Its span was impressive.
  • The project spanned decades.
  • The exhibit is spanning two rooms.

Forms

span · spans · spanned · spanning

Similar words

extent
The amount of space or time covered.
stretch
A continuous reach of space or time.