inch

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A unit of length equal to 2.54 cm, about the width of a thumb.

   The shelf is twelve inches wide.

2. 2
   noun

   A very short distance or small amount.

   Don't move an inch!

3. 3
   verb

   To move very slowly, a little at a time.

   Afraid of falling, he inched along the narrow ledge.

From Middle English ynche, enche, from Old English ynċe, borrowed from Latin uncia (“Roman inch, various similar units”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *óynos (“one”). Cognate with Middle Dutch enke (“thumb, thumb's width, inch”). Doublet of ounce, uncia, onça, onza, oka, ouguiya, and awqiyyah.

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