First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1inch
noun \ˈinch\
Definition of INCH
1
: a unit of length equal to 1⁄36 yard — see weight table
2
: a small amount, distance, or degree <is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches — Milton Friedman>
4
a : a fall (as of rain or snow) sufficient to cover a surface or to fill a gauge to the depth of one inch b : a degree of atmospheric or other pressure sufficient to balance the weight of a column of liquid (as mercury) one inch high in a barometer or manometer
5
: a small advantage especially from lenient or compassionate treatment —usually used in the phrase give an inch
— every inch
: to the utmost degree <looks every inch a winner>
— inch by inch
: very gradually or slowly
— within an inch of
: almost to the point of <came within an inch of succeeding>
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Origin of INCH
Middle English, from Old English ynce, from Latin uncia — more at ounce
2inch
verb
: to move very slowly or by a small amount in a specified direction or manner
Full Definition of INCH
intransitive verb
: to move by small degrees : progress slowly <the long line of people inching up the stairs>
transitive verb
: to cause to move slowly <sooner or later they begin inching prices back up — Forbes>
See inch defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of INCH
1599
3inch
noun
Definition of INCH
chiefly Scottish : island
Origin of INCH
Middle English (Scots), from Scottish Gaelic innis
First Known Use: 15th century
INCH Defined for Kids
1inch
noun \ˈinch\
Definition of INCH for Kids
: a unit of length equal to 1⁄36 yard (2.54 centimeters)
2inch
verb
inchedinch·ing
Definition of INCH for Kids
: to move a little bit at a time <We inched to the ticket counter.>
Medical Dictionary
inch
noun \ˈinch\
Medical Definition of INCH
: a unit of length equal to 1⁄36 yard or 2.54 centimeters
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