[This is a MPIWG MPDL language technology service] ![]() |
Span () imp. & p. p. of Spin.
Span (v. t.) The space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a fathom.
Span (v. t.) Hence, a small space or a brief portion of time.
Span (v. t.) The spread or extent of an arch between its abutments, or of a beam, girder, truss, roof, bridge, or the like, between its supports.
Span (v. t.) A rope having its ends made fast so that a purchase can be hooked to the bight; also, a rope made fast in the center so that both ends can be used.
Span (v. t.) A pair of horses or other animals driven together; usually, such a pair of horses when similar in color, form, and action.
Span (v. t.) To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder.
Span (v. t.) To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch.
Span (v. t.) To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.
Span (v. i.) To be matched, as horses.
Span (imp.) of Spin
Spin (v. t.) To draw out, and twist into threads, either by the hand or machinery; as, to spin wool, cotton, or flax; to spin goat's hair; to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material.
Spin (v. t.) To draw out tediously; to form by a slow process, or by degrees; to extend to a great length; -- with out; as, to spin out large volumes on a subject.
Spin (v. t.) To protract; to spend by delays; as, to spin out the day in idleness.
Spin (v. t.) To cause to turn round rapidly; to whirl; to twirl; as, to spin a top.
Spin (v. t.) To form (a web, a cocoon, silk, or the like) from threads produced by the extrusion of a viscid, transparent liquid, which hardens on coming into contact with the air; -- said of the spider, the silkworm, etc.
Spin (v. t.) To shape, as malleable sheet metal, into a hollow form, by bending or buckling it by pressing against it with a smooth hand tool or roller while the metal revolves, as in a lathe.
Spin (v. i.) To practice spinning; to work at drawing and twisting threads; to make yarn or thread from fiber; as, the woman knows how to spin; a machine or jenny spins with great exactness.
Spin (v. i.) To move round rapidly; to whirl; to revolve, as a top or a spindle, about its axis.
Spin (v. i.) To stream or issue in a thread or a small current or jet; as, blood spinsfrom a vein.
Spin (v. i.) To move swifty; as, to spin along the road in a carriage, on a bicycle, etc.
Spin (n.) The act of spinning; as, the spin of a top; a spin a bicycle.
Spin (n.) Velocity of rotation about some specified axis.