wing-span (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈwɪŋˌspæn/

Meaning and Usage

The term "wing-span" refers to the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing, typically in the context of birds, aircraft, or other flying creatures. It is used primarily in discussions about aerodynamics, biology, and aviation. Its frequency of use is moderate, primarily appearing in written contexts such as scientific literature, articles on aviation, and measurements in wildlife studies. It is less common in casual oral speech but may be discussed in educational or professional settings related to biology or aviation.

Example Sentences

1. The eagle's wing-span can reach up to seven feet, making it one of the largest birds in North America.

2. Размах крыльев орла может достигать семи футов, что делает его одной из крупнейших птиц в Северной Америке.

3. Engineers must carefully calculate the wing-span of the aircraft to ensure it can take off and land safely.

4. Инженерам необходимо тщательно рассчитать размах крыльев самолета, чтобы обеспечить его безопасный взлет и посадку.

5. The museum has a life-size model of a pterosaur with an impressive wing-span displayed in the main hall.

6. В музее есть модель птерозавра в натуральную величину с впечатляющим размахом крыльев, выставленная в главном зале.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "wing-span" itself is not heavily featured in idiomatic expressions, it can be used metaphorically in various phrases related to flight, freedom, and extent. Here are some examples:

1. "His ideas have a wide wing-span, reaching audiences far and wide."

2. "Его идеи имеют широкий размах крыльев, достигая зрителей повсюду."

3. "In her career, she has managed to achieve a wing-span that covers multiple fields of study."

4. "В своей карьере она смогла достичь размаха крыльев, который охватывает несколько областей изучения."

5. "The company’s influence has a wing-span across various sectors in the economy."

6. "Влияние компании имеет размах крыльев в различных секторах экономики."

Etymology

The word "wing-span" is compound, combining "wing" from Old English "wenge," meaning "to move quickly or to fly," and "span," which originates from the Old English "spanne" meaning "to stretch." The use of the term in modern contexts can be traced back to the 19th and 20th centuries as measurement standards for both aviation and ornithology developed.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Wing extent - Wingspan (often used interchangeably) - Wing width

Antonyms: - N/A (There are no direct antonyms since "wing-span" is a specific measurement; however, "wing tip" could be seen as a different aspect of wings.)

This comprehensive exploration of "wing-span" highlights its significance in both scientific and metaphorical contexts, showcasing its varied usage in the English language.