extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten(t)-shən 

1

a

: the action of extending : state of being extended

b

: an enlargement in scope or operation

tools are extensions of human hands

2

a

: the total range over which something extends : compass

b

: denotation sense 4

3

a

: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position

b

: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 4a

4

: a property whereby something occupies space

5

: an increase in length of time

specifically : an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession

6

: a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (such as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources

7

a

: a part constituting an addition

b

: a section or line segment forming an additional length

c

: an extra telephone connected to the principal line

d

: a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair

e

: a series of usually three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose

8

: a mathematical set (such as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset

Synonyms

• drawing out
• elongation
• lengthening
• prolongation
• prolonging
• stretching

Examples of extension in a Sentence

extension of the patient's life

He's asking for a contract extension.

Make sure that the muscles get the proper amount of extension.

I missed the deadline but was granted an extension.

Recent Examples on the Web

One popular comparison is Boston’s Derrick White, who is expected to sign a four-year, $127 million extension paying an average of $31.75 million per season. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 June 2024

Tatum, who made first-team All-NBA for the third straight season and then led the Celtics in points, rebounds and assists in the playoffs, now is eligible to sign a five-year, $315 million supermax extension that would be the richest in league history. —Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2024

Maricopa County will also see the extension of Loop 303 between Van Buren Street and Maricopa County 85, new HOV ramps connecting I-10 and Loop 101, and improvements to the intersection of Grand Avenue, 35th Avenue, and Indian School Road. —Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 22 June 2024

The Congressional Budget Office projects that extension would cost $4.6 trillion over 10 years, adding to an already exploding federal debt burden. —Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin extension-, extensio, from Latin extendere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing extension

• extension agent
• extension cord
• extension lead

Kids Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən 

1

: the act of extending : the state of being extended

2

: an increase in time

was given an extension to finish his project

3

: education by special programs at a distance from a school

4

a

: a part forming an addition or increase

b

: an extra telephone connected to the main line

Medical Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən 

1

: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position

2

: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 1

Legal Definition

extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion

: an increase in length of time

specifically : an increase in the time allowed under an agreement