Plural for the full extent or scope of something
“The moon would peek out every now and then, but it was mostly hidden behind monstrous black clouds that stretched across the span of the sky.”
Plural for the length of time for which something lasts
“During the three million years of the Pleistocene, man evolved very rapidly, so that substantial differences are apparent in this time span.”
Plural for an area of land, typically a large one
Plural for two or more animals, especially horses, in harness together to pull a vehicle
Plural for a curved symmetrical structure
Plural for something intended to reconcile or connect two seemingly incompatible things
Plural for a category of people or things that are similar or fall between specified limits
Plural for an interval or passage of time
Plural for the distance from the left wingtip to the right wingtip (of a bird, airplane etc)
Plural for a bridge with several spans that carries road or rail traffic over a valley or other obstacles
(of a bridge, arch, etc.) To extend from side to side of
“It is the first Thames crossing to be built in more than a century and the first pedestrian bridge to span the river.”
To cover or extend over an area or period of time
“After a silent moment that seemed to span an eternity, she turned to him again.”
(somewhat rare) To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended
“I span the width of the cupboard using my hands in a clumsy attempt at measuring its length.”
To move over or back and forth over
To be positioned over or along a certain course or in a certain direction
To have a commanding position over
To (entirely) cover a range or area
To bring together or into contact so that a real or notional link is established
Related Words and Phrases
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