Definition

1. Noun:
   • An addition that extends a main building: A part added to a structure to increase its size or capacity.
   • An addition to the length of something: The act of making something longer or a part that is added to achieve greater length.
   • An additional telephone set connected to the same line: A secondary telephone device sharing the primary line's number.
   • Amount, degree, or range to which something extends: The spatial or conceptual limit of something's reach or influence.
   • The ability to raise the working leg high in the air: In dance or gymnastics, the quality of stretching a limb to its full length with control.
   • The most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; its referent: In logic and semantics, the set of all things to which a term applies.
   • A string of characters beginning with a period in a filename: In computing, a suffix following a period in a filename, indicating the file type.
   • Act of stretching or straightening out a flexed limb: The movement of a joint that increases the angle between bones.
   • Educational opportunities for non-traditional students: Programs offered by universities to those not enrolled as full-time, regular students.
   • The spreading of something into new regions: The dissemination of ideas, beliefs, or practices.
   • Act of expanding in scope; making more widely available: The process of broadening the applicability or reach of something.
   • A mutually agreed delay: An official postponement of a deadline.

Usage Examples

• As a physical addition:
  • They built an extension to the kitchen to create a dining area.
• As an increase in length or range:
  • The extension of the subway line will benefit commuters.
  • The telescope has a remarkable extension, allowing us to see distant galaxies.
• As a secondary phone:
  • Please pick up the extension in the conference room.
• In physical performance:
  • The gymnast's perfect extension impressed the judges.
• In logic/semantics:
  • The extension of the word "planet" includes Earth, Mars, and Jupiter.
• In computing:
  • Save the document with the .docx extension.
• As a joint movement:
  • The physiotherapist guided the extension of my elbow.
• In education:
  • She took a philosophy course through the university's extension program.
• As the spread of something:
  • The extension of democratic ideals was a key goal.
• As an expansion of scope:
  • The extension of the warranty to three years is a great benefit.
• As a postponement:
  • The contractor requested a two-week extension on the project deadline.

Advanced Usage

• "By extension": Used to indicate that a following statement is logically connected to and derived from a previous one.
  • He criticized the leader and, by extension, the entire administration.
• "File name extension": Specifically refers to the suffix in computing that defines a file's format.
  • Executable programs often have the file name extension .exe on Windows.

Variants and Related Words

• Extend (verb): To make longer or larger; to stretch out.
  • They plan to extend the road.
• Extensive (adjective): Covering a large area; wide-ranging.
  • The fire caused extensive damage.
• Extensor (noun): A muscle that serves to extend or straighten a limb.
  • The quadriceps is a powerful knee extensor.

Synonyms

• Addition: Something added.
• Expansion: The action of becoming larger or more extensive.
• Prolongation: The act of lengthening in time.
• Postponement: The action of delaying an event.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Extend to: To include or encompass.
  • His generosity extends to everyone he meets.
• Extend from...to...: To span a range between two points.
  • The meeting extended from noon to three o'clock.

Related Idioms

• Give someone an extension: To grant someone extra time to complete a task.
  • The professor gave me an extension on my paper.

Noun

1. an addition that extends a main building
2. an addition to the length of something
3. an additional telephone set that is connected to the same telephone line
4. amount or degree or range to which something extends
   • the wire has an extension of 50 feet
5. the ability to raise the working leg high in the air
   • the dancer was praised for her uncanny extension
   • good extension comes from a combination of training and native ability
6. the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to
   • the extension of `satellite of Mars' is the set containing only Demos and Phobos
7. a string of characters beginning with a period and followed by one or more letters; the optional second part of a PC computer filename
   • most applications provide extensions for the files they create
   • most BASIC files use the filename extension .BAS
8. act of stretching or straightening out a flexed limb
9. an educational opportunity provided by colleges and universities to people who are not enrolled as regular students
10. the spreading of something (a belief or practice) into new regions
11. act of expanding in scope; making more widely available
    • extension of the program to all in need
12. a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt
    • they applied for an extension of the loan