/
lɛŋθ,
lɛŋkθ/
n.
- the measurement or extent of something from end to end; the greater or greatest of two or more dimensions of an object.
▸the length of a horse, boat, etc., as a measure of the lead in a race.
- the amount of time occupied by something.
- the quality of being long.
▸Prosody & Phonetics the metrical quantity or duration of a vowel or syllable.
- the full distance that a thing extends for:
the muscles running the length of my spine.
▸the extent of a garment in a vertical direction when worn.
- a stretch or piece of something.
- an extreme to which a course of action is taken.
- (in bridge or whist) the number of cards of a suit held in one's hand.
- Cricket the distance from the batsman at which a well-bowled ball pitches.
Phrase
- at length
- in detail; fully.
- after a long time.
- the length and breadth of
the whole extent of.
Etymology
OE lengthu, of Gmc origin; rel. to long1.