inch

English

/ɪntʃ/

noun
Definitions
  • A unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot, or exactly 2.54 centimetres.
  • (meteorology) The amount of water which would cover a surface to the depth of an inch, used as a measurement of rainfall.
  • The amount of an alcoholic beverage which would fill a glass or bottle to the depth of an inch.
  • (figuratively) A very short distance.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English ynche inherited from Old English ynce borrowed from Latin uncia (twelfth part, ounce, one-twelfth part, 1 12 part, inch, a twelth, a twelfth part).

Origin

Latin

uncia

Gloss

twelfth part, ounce, one-twelfth part, 1 12 part, inch, a twelth, a twelfth part

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms