expanse

[ ik-spans ]

noun

1. an uninterrupted space or area; a wide extent of anything:

   an expanse of water.

   Synonyms: stretch, range, reach, sweep

2. something that is spread out, especially over a relatively large area:

   that great expanse, the sky.

3. expansion; extension:

   the wide expanse of scientific knowledge.

expanse

/ ɪkˈspæns /

noun

1. an uninterrupted surface of something that spreads or extends, esp over a wide area; stretch

   an expanse of water

2. expansion or extension

Word History and Origins

Origin of expanse¹

1660–70; < New Latin expānsum, noun use of neuter of Latin expānsus, past participle of expandere to expand

Word History and Origins

Origin of expanse¹

C17: from New Latin expansum the heavens, from Latin expansus spread out, from expandere to expand

Example Sentences

China is setting out to chart an exquisitely detailed subterranean atlas across the country’s vast expanse.

From Science Magazine

The earth the dinosaurs once trod is now a massive expanse of solid rock.

From Los Angeles Times

And though she has since deleted this comment, she didn't delete it fast enough, and feeds soon flooded with commentary from an expanse of people calling for her head.

From Salon

The bluish shades of the work reminded viewers of large expanses of the sea or sky.

From BBC

Kocourek said it was good to come up here, to see from this height the vast expanse, its beauty, cruelty and danger, the way the light moves.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• plain
• stretch
• tract
• wilderness