span
Plural
spans
1
a structure that crosses an obstacle such as a river, canal, or railway
- The new span connects the two city districts.
- Pedestrians used the span to cross safely.
- The railway span was constructed in 1920.
- The suspension span allows ships to pass beneath.
- Workers maintained the span regularly.
Synonyms:
2
two items of the same kind, often paired together
- A span of oxen pulled the cart.
- She bought a span of chairs for the dining table.
- The farmer owned a span of horses.
- A span of twins played in the garden.
- The painter worked with a span of brushes.
3
the total duration or extent of time something lasts
- The project was completed within a span of three months.
- The lifespan of the butterfly is a short span.
- They married within a span of two years after meeting.
- A lifetime is a long span compared to a day.
- The span of the lecture was just over an hour.
4
the distance, extent, or interval between two points
- The canyon's span was breathtaking.
- The gymnast's hand span allowed her to grip the bar easily.
- A span of the river separates the two villages.
- The shelf fits a span between the supports.
- He measured the span of the room with a tape.
5
the position of sitting or standing with the legs spread apart
- She rode the horse in a comfortable span.
- The gymnast's span on the beam required balance.
- He demonstrated a span over the two chairs.
- The child assumed a span position to stretch.
- The exercise involved a span stance.
Synonyms:
6
the area between two supports, as in a bridge or arch
In architecture, the span refers to the distance between two supports, such as columns or walls, that an arch, beam, or roof structure covers. This measurement is crucial in determining the strength and design of the structure, as it influences the materials used and the shape of the arch or beam. A larger span often requires stronger materials or additional support to ensure stability, while a smaller span can be achieved with lighter construction. The span plays a key role in the overall functionality and aesthetic of a building, affecting how space is utilized and experienced.
- The bridge has a central span of 50 meters.
- Engineers inspected the span of the arch.
- The span between the columns was reinforced.
- Suspension cables support the bridge span.
- The span cracked under heavy load.
7
a unit of length based on the width of an outstretched human hand
- The cloth measured two spans across.
- Ancient builders used a span as a rough measurement.
- The artifact was about a span long.
- He estimated the distance with his hand span.
- The span is roughly 20–25 centimeters.