Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Extended letter

Extend \Ex*tend"\ ([e^]ks*t[e^]nd"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Extended; p. pr. & vb. n. Extending.] [L. extendere, extentum, extensum; ex out + tendere to stretch. See Trend.]

  1. To stretch out; to prolong in space; to carry forward or continue in length; as, to extend a line in surveying; to extend a cord across the street.

    Few extend their thoughts toward universal knowledge.
    --Locke.

  2. To enlarge, as a surface or volume; to expand; to spread; to amplify; as, to extend metal plates by hammering or rolling them.

  3. To enlarge; to widen; to carry out further; as, to extend the capacities, the sphere of usefulness, or commerce; to extend power or influence; to continue, as time; to lengthen; to prolong; as, to extend the time of payment or a season of trial.

  4. To hold out or reach forth, as the arm or hand.

    His helpless hand extend.
    --Dryden.

  5. To bestow; to offer; to impart; to apply; as, to extend sympathy to the suffering.

  6. To increase in quantity by weakening or adulterating additions; as, to extend liquors.
    --G. P. Burnham.

  7. (Eng. Law) To value, as lands taken by a writ of extent in satisfaction of a debt; to assign by writ of extent.

    Extended letter (Typog.), a letter, or style of type, having a broader face than is usual for a letter or type of the same height.

    Note: This is extended type.

    Syn: To increase; enlarge; expand; widen; diffuse. See Increase.