Ex*ten"sion (?), n. [L.
extensio: cf. F. extension. See Extend,
v. t.] 1. The act of extending
or the state of being extended; a stretching out; enlargement in
breadth or continuation of length; increase; augmentation;
expansion.
2. (Physics) That property of a body
by which it occupies a portion of space.
3. (Logic & Metaph.) Capacity of a
concept or general term to include a greater or smaller number of
objects; -- correlative of intension.
The law is that the intension of our knowledge is in
the inverse ratio of its extension.
Sir W.
Hamilton.
The extension of [the term] plant is greater
than that of geranium, because it includes more objects.
Abp. Thomson.
4. (Surg.) The operation of stretching
a broken bone so as to bring the fragments into the same straight
line.
5. (Physiol.) The straightening of a
limb, in distinction from flexion.
6. (Com.) A written engagement on the
part of a creditor, allowing a debtor further time to pay a
debt.
Counter extension. (Surg.) See under
Counter. -- Extension table, a
table so constructed as to be readily extended or contracted in
length.
