duration

American  

[doo-rey-shuhn, dyoo-] / dʊˈreɪ ʃən, dyʊ- /

noun

1. the length of time something continues or exists (often used withthe ).

2. continuance in time.

3. (in the philosophy of Bergson) a temporal continuum, intuitively known, within which the élan vital operates.

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duration British  

/ djʊˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the length of time that something lasts or continues

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Other Word Forms

• durational adjective

Etymology

Origin of duration

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin dūrātiōn-, stem of dūrātiō, from Latin dūrāt(us) “lasted” (past participle of dūrāre “to last”; dure ² ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

The duration of the guarantees was still being discussed, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal

CHP closed all lanes of the 5 Freeway at 5:12 p.m. for an unknown duration.

From Los Angeles Times

The team expects progress in the near future, especially as in situ resource use becomes increasingly important for long duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

From Science Daily

Bristol have not disclosed the exact duration of Rubiolo's new deal.

From BBC

I know that calculating the amount and duration of conversions is a complex matter with many variables, including assumptions about future tax rates, among other things.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• continuation
• extent
• period
• span