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.
Hear it pronounced