wingspan

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Word: Wingspan

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Wingspan is the distance between the tips of the wings of a bird, airplane, or other flying object. It measures how wide the wings are when they are fully extended.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "wingspan" when talking about birds and airplanes, especially when comparing sizes or discussing flying abilities.

Example:

• "The eagle has a wingspan of about 6 feet, which helps it soar high in the sky."
• "The new airplane model has a wingspan of 200 feet, making it one of the largest in the world."

Advanced Usage:

• In biology or aviation, wingspan can be used to discuss aerodynamic efficiency or the strength of different species or aircraft.
• For example: "Scientists believe that a larger wingspan allows birds to glide longer distances with less energy."

Word Variants:

• Wingspans (plural form) – "The wingspans of various bird species can vary greatly."
• Wing (noun) – Refers to the actual limb used for flying.

Different Meanings:

• While "wingspan" primarily refers to the measurement of wings, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the reach or extent of something. For instance, you might say, "The wingspan of his influence extended across many communities."

Synonyms:

• Wingspread – This is a less common term but can be used similarly.
• Span – In a broader context, it can refer to the extent or reach of something.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "wingspan" directly, but you might hear phrases like "spread your wings" which means to expand your horizons or try new experiences.

Summary:

"Wingspan" is an important term in both biology and aviation, helping us understand the physical attributes of flying creatures and machines.

Academic

Noun

1. linear distance between the extremities of an airfoil

Synonyms

• wingspread