Ex*ten"sion (?), n. [L. extensio: cf. F. extension. See Extend, v. t.]
1.
The act of extending or the state of being extended; a stretching out; enlargement in breadth or continuation of length; increase; augmentation; expansion.
2. Physics
That property of a body by which it occupies a portion of space.
3. Logic & Metaph.
Capacity of a concept or general term to include a greater or smaller number of objects; -- correlative of intension.
The law is that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension.
Sir W. Hamilton.
The extension of [the term] plant is greater than that of geranium, because it includes more objects.
Abp. Thomson.
4. Surg.
The operation of stretching a broken bone so as to bring the fragments into the same straight line.
5. Physiol.
The straightening of a limb, in distinction from flexion.
6. Com.
A written engagement on the part of a creditor, allowing a debtor further time to pay a debt.
Counter extension. Surg. See under Counter. -- Extension table, a table so constructed as to be readily extended or contracted in length.
© Webster 1913.