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inch1 definition

inch (inc̸h)

noun

  1. a unit of length in the FPS system, equal to foot (2.54 cm): symbol, ″: abbrev. in
  2. a fall (of rain, snow, etc.) equal to the amount that would cover a surface to the depth of one inch
  3. 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
  4. 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
inch2 definition

inch (inc̸h)

noun

in Scotland and Ireland, an isolated piece of land, as a small island or hill

Etymology: ME < Gael innis, island

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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