duration
[doo-rey-shuh n, dyoo-]
- the length of time something continues or exists (often used with the).
- continuance in time.
- (in the philosophy of Bergson) a temporal continuum, intuitively known, within which the élan vital operates.
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Origin of duration
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
continuationspanperiodextentcontinuancecontinuitytermrunprolongationstretchendurancespelltidetimepersistenceperpetuationExamples from the Web for duration
Contemporary Examples
Every couple, regardless of racial makeup, will hear this question countless times through the duration of their relationship.
In Illinois, such intervention programs last a minimum of 26 weeks; other states require the duration to last at least a year.
“Regularity is more important than duration so that it integrates into the mind and body,” says Cruikshank.
If duration of sleep is your problem, then a simple actigraph measure, like a smartphone sleep tracker, may work.
Women talk about everything when it comes to sex: size, position, duration.
Historical Examples
A difficulty arose respecting the duration of the armistice.
The Life of Horatio Lord NelsonRobert Southey
A month will decide the one, perhaps: But what a duration of woe will the other be!
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
An interval of some duration elapsed, in which there was no bid for Mrs General.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
Cornelius joined in Sir Ulick's laugh, which shortened its duration.
Tales And Novels, Volume 9 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
His reputation has soared in proportion to the duration of her absence.
Who Was Who: 5000 B. C. to DateAnonymous
duration
- the length of time that something lasts or continues
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Word Origin
C14: from Medieval Latin dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāre to last
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for duration
n.
late 14c., from Old French duration, from Medieval Latin durationem (nominative duratio), noun of action from past participle stem of Latin durare "harden" (see endure). Old legalese phrase for the duration popularized 1916 in reference to British enlistments in World War I.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper