stretch

(noun) a large and unbroken expanse or distance. Examples: "A stretch of highway." "A stretch of clear water."

(noun) the act of physically reaching or thrusting out. Synonyms: reach, reaching.

(noun) a straightaway section of a racetrack.

(noun) exercise designed to extend the limbs and muscles to their full extent. Synonyms: stretching.

(noun) extension to or beyond the ordinary limit. Examples: "Running at full stretch." "By no stretch of the imagination." "Beyond any stretch of his understanding."

(noun) an unbroken period of time during which you do something. Synonyms: stint. Examples: "There were stretches of boredom." "He did a stretch in the federal penitentiary."

(noun) the capacity for being stretched. Synonyms: stretchiness, stretchability.

(verb) occupy a large, elongated area. Synonyms: stretch along. Example: "The park stretched beneath the train line."

(verb) extend one's limbs or muscles, or the entire body. Synonyms: extend. Examples: "Stretch your legs!." "Extend your right arm above your head."

(verb) extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length. Synonyms: unfold, stretch out, extend. Examples: "Unfold the newspaper." "Stretch out that piece of cloth." "Extend the tv antenna."

(verb) become longer by being stretched and pulled. Example: "The fabric stretches."

(verb) make long or longer by pulling and stretching. Synonyms: elongate. Example: "Stretch the fabric."

(verb) lie down comfortably. Synonyms: stretch out. Example: "To enjoy the picnic, we stretched out on the grass."

(verb) pull in opposite directions. Example: "During the inquisition, the torturers would stretch their victims on a rack."

(verb) extend the scope or meaning of; often unduly. Examples: "Stretch the limits." "Stretch my patience." "Stretch the imagination."

(verb) corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones. Synonyms: load, adulterate, dilute, debase. Example: "Adulterate liquor."

(verb) increase in quantity or bulk by adding a cheaper substance. Synonyms: extend. Examples: "Stretch the soup by adding some more cream." "Extend the casserole with a little rice."

(verb) extend one's body or limbs. Synonyms: stretch out. Example: "Let's stretch for a minute--we've been sitting here for over 3 hours."

(adj) having an elongated seating area. Synonyms: stretch(prenominal). Example: "A stretch limousine."

(adj) easily stretched. Example: "Stretch hosiery."