inch

3 entries found for inch.
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inch[1,noun] inch[2,verb] inch[3,noun]

Main Entry: ¹inch
Pronunciation: 'inch
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ynce, from Latin uncia -- more at OUNCE
1 : a unit of length equal to 1/36 yard -- see WEIGHT table
2 : a small amount, distance, or degree <is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches -- Milton Friedman>
3 plural : STATURE, HEIGHT
4 a : a fall (as of rain or snow) sufficient to cover a surface or to fill a gauge to the depth of one inch b : a degree of atmospheric or other pressure sufficient to balance the weight of a column of liquid (as mercury) one inch high in a barometer or manometer
5 : a small advantage especially from lenient or compassionate treatment -- usually used in the phrase give an inch
- every inch : to the utmost degree <looks every inch a winner>
- inch by inch : very gradually or slowly
- within an inch of : almost to the point of <came within an inch of succeeding>