span

(spăn)

1. The extent or measure of space between two points or extremities, as of a bridge or roof; the breadth.
2. The distance between the tips of the wings of an airplane.
3. The section between two intermediate supports of a bridge.
4. Something, such as a railroad trestle or bridge, that extends from one point to another.
5. The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended, formerly used as a unit of measure equal to about nine inches (23 centimeters).
6. A period of time: a span of life.

1. To measure by or as if by the fully extended hand.
2. To encircle with the hand or hands in or as if in measuring.
3. To extend across in space or time: a bridge that spans the gorge; a career that spanned 40 years.

(spăn)

1. Nautical A stretch of rope made fast at either end.
2. A pair of animals, such as oxen, matched in size, strength, or color and driven as a team.

(spăn)