extension

An extra part or period of time added to make something larger or last longer.

• We built an extension last year.
• The teacher gave me a week's extension.
• She removed her hair extensions before swimming.

How to use it: an extension to something (They built an extension to their house.); an extension of something (She requested an extension of the deadline.)

Similar words: addition

Common phrases: house extension, hair extension, deadline extension, request an extension

Letters after the last dot in a computer document’s name that show its type.

• The file extension is pdf.
• Change the extension only if you know the file type.
• Some programs hide file extensions.

Similar words: file extension, filename extension

Common phrases: file extension, pdf extension

The process or state of making something longer or allowing it to reach further.

• Full extension of the arm caused pain.
• The project involves the extension of the railway.
• Repeated extensions of the knee strengthened the muscle.

How to use it: the extension of something (The extension of the railway took several years.)

Similar words: lengthening, stretching

Opposites: shortening, contraction

Common phrases: full extension, extension of something, gradual extension

The movement of an arm, leg, or finger into a straight position, sometimes against a weight.

• Full extension of the knee was painful.
• She does leg extensions at the gym.
• The therapist checked extension in both elbows.

Similar words: straightening

Opposites: flexion

Common phrases: leg extension, knee extension, full extension

The amount of space, or sometimes time, that something takes up.

• Every physical object has extension in space.
• The philosopher discussed the extension of matter.
• The theory considers both spatial and temporal extension.

Similar words: extent

Common phrases: spatial extension, temporal extension, extension in space

Pulling the ends of a broken bone apart to bring the pieces into a straight line.

• The doctor used extension to align the broken bone.
• Extension kept the bone fragments in line.
• Weights provided gentle extension during treatment.

Similar words: traction

Common phrases: bone extension, extension treatment