The span of a subset A := (a1, a2, ..., an) of a vector space V over field F is the set of vectors defined as follows:

{c1*a1+c2*a2+...+cn*an | for all c1, c2, ...,cn in F}


Thus, the span of a single vector is the set of all scalar multiples of that vector.
Note: Thanks to it for pointing out that one can "define the span of an empty set of vectors as the set containing only the zero vector. That way, it can act as a basis for the zero-dimensional space {0}."

Span (?), archaic

imp. & p. p. of Spin.

 

© Webster 1913.


Span, n. [AS. spann; akin to D. span, OHG. spanna, G. spanne, Icel. sponn. &root;170. See Span, v. t. ]

1.

The space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a fathom.

2.

Hence, a small space or a brief portion of time.

Yet not to earth's contracted span Thy goodness let me bound. Pope.

Life's but a span; I'll every inch enjoy. Farquhar.

3.

The spread or extent of an arch between its abutments, or of a beam, girder, truss, roof, bridge, or the like, between its supports.

4. Naut.

A rope having its ends made fast so that a purchase can be hooked to the bight; also, a rope made fast in the center so that both ends can be used.

5. [Cf. D. span, Sw. spann, Dan. spaend, G. gespann. See Span, v. t. ]

A pair of horses or other animals driven together; usually, such a pair of horses when similar in color, form, and action.

Span blocks Naut., blocks at the topmast and topgallant-mast heads, for the studding-sail halyards. -- Span counter, an old English child's game, in which one throws a counter on the ground, and another tries to hit it with his counter, or to get his counter so near it that he can span the space between them, and touch both the counters. Halliwell. "Henry V., in whose time boys went to span counter for French crowns." Shak. -- Span iron Naut., a special kind of harpoon, usually secured just below the gunwale of a whaleboat. -- Span roof, a common roof, having two slopes and one ridge, with eaves on both sides. Gwilt. -- Span shackle Naut., a large bolt driven through the forecastle deck, with a triangular shackle in the head to receive the heel of the old-fashioned fish davit. Ham. Nav. Encyc.

 

© Webster 1913.


Span (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spanning.] [AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG. spannan, Sw. spanna, Dan. spaende, Icel. spenna, and perh. to Gr. to draw, to drag, L. spatium space. &root;170. Cf. Spin, v. t., Space, Spasm.]

1.

To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder.

My right hand hath spanned the heavens. Isa. xiviii. 13.

2.

To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch.

The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry. prescott.

3.

To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.

 

© Webster 1913.


Span, v. i.

To be matched, as horses.

[U. S.]

 

© Webster 1913.

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