wing-spread

The eagle displays its impressive wing-spread while perched on a cliff.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The distance between the tips of the wings when fully extended: "wing-spread" refers to the measurement from one wingtip to the other across a bird, insect, or aircraft's wings when they are stretched out to their maximum span.
   • The full extent of the wings: It can also denote the overall width or expanse covered by the wings of a creature or object.

Usage Examples

• (The distance from one wingtip to the other was more than two meters.)
• (The full extent of its wings is vast relative to its body size.)
• (The measurement from wingtip to wingtip is 50 centimeters.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a wide wing-spread": to possess wings that extend over a large area.
  • The albatross has a wide wing-spread, which helps it glide over the ocean for hours. (Its wings are very broad.)
• "wing-spread measurement": the act of measuring the distance between wingtips.
  • Ornithologists often take a wing-spread measurement to study bird species. (They measure the span of the wings.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wingspread (n): an alternative spelling of wing-spread, meaning the same thing.
  • The wingspread of the condor is impressive. (The full span of its wings is remarkable.)
• Wing (n): the movable, feathered or membranous appendage used for flight.
  • The bird's wing is strong and flexible. (The limb used for flying.)
• Spread (n): the extent or width of something when opened out.
  • The spread of the wings was measured carefully. (The distance when fully extended.)

Synonyms

• Wingspan: the distance from one wingtip to the other when fully extended (most common synonym).
  • The plane's wingspan is 60 meters. (Similar to wing-spread.)
• Span: the full extent or distance across something.
  • The span of the bird's wings was impressive. (The width of the wings.)

Related Idioms

• Spread one's wings: to begin to act independently or explore new possibilities (not directly synonymous with wing-spread, but related).
  • After college, she spread her wings and moved abroad. (She became independent and adventurous.)

Additional Notes

• Context: "Wing-spread" is often used in ornithology, entomology, and aviation to describe the physical dimensions of wings. It is less common than "wingspan" in everyday language but is technically precise.