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inch

 - 7 dictionary results

inch

1  [inch]
Use inch in a Sentence
–noun
1. a unit of length, 1/12 foot, equivalent to 2.54 centimeters.
2. a very small amount of anything; narrow margin: to win by an inch; to avert disaster by an inch.
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
3. to move by inches or small degrees: We inched our way along the road.
—Idioms
4. by inches,
a. narrowly; by a narrow margin: escaped by inches.
b. Also, inch by inch. by small degrees or stages; gradually: The miners worked their way through the narrow shaft inch by inch.
5. every inch, in every respect; completely: That horse is every inch a thoroughbred.
6. within an inch of, nearly; close to: He came within an inch of getting killed in the crash.
Origin:
bef. 1000; ME; OE ynce < L uncia twelfth part, inch, ounce. See ounce 1

inch

2  [inch]
–noun Scot.
a small island near the seacoast.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME < ScotGael innse, gen. of innis island, OIr inis, c. Welsh ynys
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To inch
inch 1   (ĭnch)   
n.   Abbr. in or in.

  1. A unit of length in the U.S. Customary and British Imperial systems, equal to 1/12 of a foot (2.54 centimeters). See Table at measurement.

  2. A fall, as of rain or snow, sufficient to cover a surface to the depth of one inch.

  3. A unit of atmospheric pressure that is equal to the pressure exerted by a one-inch column of mercury at the earth's surface at a temperature of 0°C.

  4. A very small degree or amount: won't budge an inch.

intr. & tr.v.   inched, inch·ing, inch·es
To move or cause to move slowly or by small degrees: inching along through stalled traffic; inched the chair forward.

[Middle English, from Old English ynce, from Latin ūncia, one twelfth of a unit; see oi-no- in Indo-European roots.]
inch 2   (ĭnch)   
n.   Scots
A small island.

[Middle English, from Scottish Gaelic innis, from Old Irish inis.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: inch
Pronunciation: 'inch
Function: noun
: a unit of length equal to 1/36 yard or 2.54 centimeters
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Science Dictionary
inch   (ĭnch)  Pronunciation Key 
A unit of length in the US Customary System equal to 1/12 of a foot (2.54 centimeters). See Table at measurement.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

inch

In addition to the idioms beginning with inch, also see by inches; every inch; give an inch; within an ace (inch) of.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
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