range

[ reynj ]

noun

1. the extent to which or the limits between which variation is possible:

   the range of steel prices; a wide range of styles.

   Synonyms: reach, sweep

2. the extent or scope of the operation or action of something:

   within range of vision.

3. the distance to which a projectile is or may be sent by a weapon.
4. the distance of the target from the weapon.
5. an area equipped with targets for practice in shooting weapons:

   a rifle range.

6. an area used for flight-testing missiles.
7. the distance of something to be located from some point of operation, as in sound ranging.
8. the distance that can be covered by an aircraft, ship, or other vehicle, carrying a normal load without refueling.
9. Statistics. the difference between the largest and smallest values in a statistical distribution.
10. a continuous course of masonry of the same height from end to end.
11. Music. compass ( def 4 ).
12. Surveying.
    1. the horizontal direction or extension of a survey line established by two or more marked points.
    2. (in U.S. public-land surveys) one of a series of divisions numbered east or west from the principal meridian of the survey and consisting of a row of townships, each six miles square, that are numbered north or south from a base line.
13. Navigation. a line established by markers or lights on shore for the location of soundings.
14. a rank, class, or order:

    in the higher ranges of society.

    Synonyms: sort, kind

15. a row, line, or series, as of persons or things.

    Synonyms: file, tier

16. an act of ranging or moving around, as over an area or region.
17. Also called rangeland. an area or tract that is or may be ranged over, especially an open region for the grazing of livestock.
18. the region over which a population or species is distributed:

    the range of the Baltimore oriole.

19. Mathematics. the set of all values attained by a given function throughout its domain.
20. a chain of mountains forming a single system:

    the Catskill Range.

21. a large portable or stationary cooking stove having burners built into the top surface and containing one or more ovens.
22. Physics. the maximum distance that a charged particle, as a proton, can penetrate a given medium and still maintain sufficient kinetic energy to produce ionization in the medium.
23. Nautical.
    1. a large cleat for securing various lines, especially the tacks and sheets of courses.
    2. a length of anchor cable laid on deck.

adjective

1. working or grazing on a range:

   range horses; range animals like steer and sheep.

verb (used with object)

, ranged, rang·ing.

1. to draw up or arrange (persons or things) in rows or lines or in a specific position, company, or group:

   The sergeant ranged the troops in columns of six across.

   Synonyms: rank, align

2. to place or arrange systematically; set in order; dispose:

   The members of the cast were ranged in their proper places on stage.

   Synonyms: array

3. to place in a particular class; classify:

   They ranged themselves with the liberals.

4. to make straight, level, or even, as lines of type.
5. to pass over or through (an area or region) in all directions, as in exploring or searching:

   They ranged the entire countryside.

6. to pasture (cattle) on a range.
7. to direct or train, as a telescope, upon an object.
8. to obtain the range of (something aimed at or to be located).
9. Nautical. to lay out (an anchor cable) so that the anchor may descend smoothly.

verb (used without object)

, ranged, rang·ing.

1. to vary within certain limits:

   prices ranging from $5 to $10.

2. to have a certain variety of things somehow related:

   emotions ranging from smugness to despair.

3. to move around or through a region in all directions, as people or animals.
4. to rove, roam, or wander:

   The talk ranged over a variety of subjects.

5. to stretch out or extend in a line, as things:

   shabby houses ranged along the road.

   Synonyms: lie

6. to extend, run, or go in a certain direction:

   a boundary ranging from east and west.

7. to lie or extend in the same line or plane, as one thing with another or others.
8. to take up a position in a line or in order.
9. to extend, be found, or occur over an area or throughout a period, as an animal or plant.
10. to have a specified range, as a gun, missile, etc.
11. to find the range, as of something aimed at or to be located.
12. Nautical. (of an anchored vessel) to swerve or sheer (often followed by about ).

range

/ reɪndʒ /

noun

1. the limits within which a person or thing can function effectively

   the range of vision

2. the limits within which any fluctuation takes place

   a range of values

3. the total products of a manufacturer, designer, or stockist

   the new autumn range

4. 1. the maximum effective distance of a projectile fired from a weapon
   2. the distance between a target and a weapon
5. an area set aside for shooting practice or rocket testing
6. the total distance which a ship, aircraft, or land vehicle is capable of covering without taking on fresh fuel

   the range of this car is about 160 miles

7. physics the distance that a particle of ionizing radiation, such as an electron or proton, can travel through a given medium, esp air, before ceasing to cause ionization
8. maths logic
   1. (of a function) the set of values that the function takes for all possible arguments Compare domain
   2. (of a variable) the set of values that a variable can take
   3. (of a quantifier) the set of values that the variable bound by the quantifier can take
9. statistics a measure of dispersion obtained by subtracting the smallest from the largest sample values
10. the extent of pitch difference between the highest and lowest notes of a voice, instrument, etc
11. 1. an extensive tract of open land on which livestock can graze
    2. ( as modifier )

       range cattle

12. the geographical region in which a species of plant or animal normally grows or lives
13. a rank, row, or series of items
14. a series or chain of mountains
15. a large stove with burners and one or more ovens, usually heated by solid fuel
16. the act or process of ranging
17. nautical a line of sight taken from the sea along two or more navigational aids that mark a navigable channel
18. the extension or direction of a survey line, established by marking two or more points
19. a double-faced bookcase, as in a library
20. range of significance
    philosophy logic the set of subjects for which a given predicate is intelligible

verb

1. to establish or be situated in a line, row, or series
2. tr; often reflexivefoll bywith to put into a specific category; classify

   she ranges herself with the angels

3. foll by on to aim or point (a telescope, gun, etc) or (of a gun, telescope, etc) to be pointed or aimed
4. to establish the distance of (a target) from (a weapon)
5. intr (of a gun or missile) to have a specified range
6. whenintr, foll by over to wander about (in) an area; roam (over)
7. intrfoll byover (of an animal or plant) to live or grow in its normal habitat
8. tr to put (cattle) to graze on a range
9. intr to fluctuate within specific limits

   their ages range from 18 to 21

10. intr to extend or run in a specific direction
11. tr nautical to coil (an anchor rope or chain) so that it will pay out smoothly
12. intr nautical (of a vessel) to swing back and forth while at anchor
13. tr to make (lines of printers' type) level or even at the margin

range

/ rānj /

1. The set of all values that a given function may have.
2. Compare domain
3. The difference between the smallest and largest values in a set of data. If the lowest test score of a group of students is 54 and the highest is 94, the range is 40.

Other Words From

• non·ranging adjective
• subrange noun
• un·ranging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of range¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (noun) Middle English, from Old French renge “row,” derivative of renc “line”; rank ¹; (verb) Middle English rangen, from Middle French ranger, Old French rengier, derivative of renc

Word History and Origins

Origin of range¹

C13: from Old French: row, from ranger to position, from renc line

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in range, (of two or more objects observed from a vessel) located one directly behind the other.

More idioms and phrases containing range

see at close range .

Synonym Study

Range, compass, latitude, scope refer to extent or breadth. Range emphasizes extent and diversity: the range of one's interests. Compass suggests definite limits: within the compass of one's mind. Latitude emphasizes the idea of freedom from narrow confines, thus breadth or extent: granted latitude of action. Scope suggests great freedom but a proper limit: the scope of one's activities; the scope of one's obligations. See roam.

Example Sentences

The research helps explain how many cultural traits have been preserved for thousands of years among hunter-gatherer groups across a wide range of natural environments in Africa.

From Science Daily

"Synthetic tissues could have endless medical applications, ranging from testing potential drugs or therapies to providing grafts or transplants for patients."

From Science Daily

"This can range from cerebral palsy specific studies to any study that involves neurodevelopmental conditions. The information that is gathered will help improve the care adults with cerebral palsy receive and better tailor their treatments."

From Science Daily

They considered a range of climates and building types, examined several configurations, and paid particular attention to the source of water vapor.

From Science Daily

“Hannah taught me that every wheelchair user’s range of motion is different, so we would just go move by move and feel it out, like we do with any dancer.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• differ
• fluctuate
• go
• reach
• stretch
• vary