inch

The definition of an inch is a small measurement equal to 1/12th of a foot or 2.54 centimeters.

(noun)

An example of an inch is the length of a snail.

Inch is defined as to slowly move closer.

(verb)

An example of inch is for a person to slowly scoot over on a bench to his love interest.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See inch in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

Origin: ME inche < OE ynce < L uncia, twelfth part, inch, ounce

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to move by inches or degrees; move very slowly

noun

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

Origin: ME < Gael innis, island

See inch in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Abbr. in or in.
  1. A unit of length in the U.S. Customary and British Imperial systems, equal to 1/12 of a foot (2.54 centimeters). See Table at measurement.
  2. A fall, as of rain or snow, sufficient to cover a surface to the depth of one inch.
  3. A unit of atmospheric pressure that is equal to the pressure exerted by a one-inch column of mercury at the earth's surface at a temperature of 0°C.
  4. A very small degree or amount: won't budge an inch.
intr. & tr.v. inched, inch·ing, inch·es
To move or cause to move slowly or by small degrees: inching along through stalled traffic; inched the chair forward.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English ynce

Origin: , from Latin ūncia, one twelfth of a unit; see oi-no- in Indo-European roots

.

noun
Scots
A small island.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Scottish Gaelic innis

Origin: , from Old Irish inis

.

Learn more about inch

inch

link/cite print suggestion box