span

Universal Words noun, verb, adjective noun 1 the length of time that sth lasts or is able to continue: I worked with him over a span of six years. * The project must be completed within a specific time span. * Small children have a short attention span. * a study of the entire span of Arab history seealsoLIFESPAN 2 ~ (of sth) a range or variety of sth: Managers have a wide span of control. * These forests cover a broad span of latitudes. 3 the part of a bridge or an arch between one vertical support and another: The bridge crosses the river in a single span. 4 the width of sth from one side to the other: The kite has a span of 1.5 metres. seealsoWINGSPAN verb (-nn-) [VN] 1 to last all through a period of time or to cover the whole of it: His acting career spanned 55 years. * Family photos spanning five generations were stolen. 2 to include a large area or a lot of things: The operation, which spanned nine countries, resulted in 200 arrests. * His experience spanned not merely politics, but also business and journalism. 3 to stretch right across sth, from one side to the other: a series of bridges spanning the river * The roof was spanned by curved ribs of steel. adjective IDIOMS see SPICK