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by inches
Variant of inch
inch
definition
inch (inc̸h)
noun
- a unit of length in the FPS system, equal to foot (2.54 cm): symbol, ″: abbrev. in
- a fall (of rain, snow, etc.) equal to the amount that would cover a surface to the depth of one inch
- a unit of pressure as measured by a barometer or manometer, equal to the pressure balanced by the weight on a one-inch column of liquid, usually mercury, in the instrument
- a very small amount, degree, or distance; trifle; bit
Etymology: ME inche < OE ynce < L uncia, twelfth part, inch, ounce
transitive verb, intransitive verb
to move by inches or degrees; move very slowly
inch Idioms
every inch
in all respects; thoroughly
inch by inch
gradually; slowly; by degrees
also by inches
within an inch of
very close to; almost to
within an inch of one's life
almost to the point of death: often used hyperbolically
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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