WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ex*ten"sion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. extensio: cf. F. extension. See Extend, v. t.]
Definition : 1. The act of extending or the state of being extended; a stretching out; enlargement in breadth or continuation of length; increase; augmentation; expansion.

2. (Physics)

Defn: That property of a body by which it occupies a portion of space.

3. (Logic & Metaph.)

Defn: Capacity of a concept or general term to include a greater or smaller number of objects; -- correlative of intension. The law is that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension. Sir W. Hamilton. The extension of [the term] plant is greater than that of geranium, because it includes more objects. Abp. Thomson.

4. (Surg.)

Defn: The operation of stretching a broken bone so as to bring the fragments into the same straight line.

5. (Physiol.)

Defn: The straightening of a limb, in distinction from flexion.

6. (Com.)

Defn: A written engagement on the part of a creditor, allowing a debtor further time to pay a debt. Counter extension. (Surg.) See under Counter. -- Extension table, a table so constructed as to be readily extended or contracted in length.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913