- Extension
- Extension Ex*ten"sion, n. [L. extensio: cf. F. extension. See
{Extend}, v. t.]
1. The act of extending or the state of being extended; a
stretching out; enlargement in breadth or continuation of
length; increase; augmentation; expansion.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Physics) That property of a body by which it occupies a portion of space. [1913 Webster]
3. (Logic & Metaph.) (a) Capacity of a concept or general term to include a greater or smaller number of objects; -- correlative of {intension}. (b) the class or set of objects to which a term refers; -- contrasted with {intension}, the logical specification which defines members of a class, being the set of attributes which are necessary and sufficient to recognize an object as a member of the class. [1913 Webster]
The law is that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension. --Sir W. Hamilton. [1913 Webster]
The extension of [the term] plant is greater than that of geranium, because it includes more objects. --Abp. Thomson. [1913 Webster]
4. (Surg.) The operation of stretching a broken bone so as to bring the fragments into the same straight line. [1913 Webster]
5. (Physiol.) The straightening of a limb, in distinction from {flexion}. [1913 Webster]
6. (Com.) A written engagement on the part of a creditor, allowing a debtor further time to pay a debt. [1913 Webster]
{Counter extension}. (Surg.) See under {Counter}.
{Extension table}, a table so constructed as to be readily extended or contracted in length. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.