the distance or interval between two points
"The span of the bridge is wide enough to cross the entire river without a tower in the middle."
a unit of length based on the width of the expanded human hand (usually taken as 9 inches)
"The carpenter measured the window frame using his span to ensure it fit perfectly between the studs."
The space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; an eighth of a fathom.
"The sailor measured his reach and found that his arm span was exactly nine inches short of the beam width."
In plain English: A span is the distance between two points, such as how far your fingers can stretch when you hold them wide apart.
"The time span between our meetings was too long for me to stay focused on the project."
Usage: As a noun, span refers specifically to the measurement achieved by stretching your hand from tip to tip of the fingers. Use this term for physical distances rather than abstract periods of time, which are better described as "a period" or simply using the verb form with "of.
To extend through the distance between or across.
"The dancer span around the room before taking her final bow."
simple past tense of spin
In plain English: To span is to stretch across something from end to end, usually by connecting two points with your hands or feet.
"The new bridge will span the wide river connecting the two towns."
Acronym of Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network.
"The acronym SPAN stands for Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network, an organization dedicated to supporting those affected by suicide."
The word "span" comes from the Old English spann and originally referred to a handbreadth or the distance between two outstretched hands. It traveled into modern usage as both a unit of measurement for length and width, while also developing related meanings such as a pair of horses yoked together.