EXTENT

extent

(noun) the distance or area or volume over which something extends; “the vast extent of the desert”; “an orchard of considerable extent”

extent

(noun) the point or degree to which something extends; “the extent of the damage”; “the full extent of the law”; “to a certain extent she was right”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

extent (plural extents)

A range of values or locations.

The space, area, volume, etc, to which something extends.

(computing) A contiguous area of storage in a file system.

The valuation of property.

(legal) A writ directing the sheriff to seize the property of a debtor, for the recovery of debts of record due to the Crown.

Adjective

extent

(obsolete) Extended.

Source: Wiktionary

Ex*tent", a. Etym: [L. extentus, p. p. of extendere. See Extend.]

Definition: Extended. [Obs.] Spenser.

Ex*tent", n. Etym: [L. extentus, fr. extendere. See Extend.]

1. Space or degree to which a thing is extended; hence, superficies; compass; bulk; size; length; as, an extent of country or of line; extent of information or of charity. Life in its large extent is scare a span. Cotton.

2. Degree; measure; proportion. "The extent to which we can make ourselves what we wish to be." Lubbock.

3. (Eng. Law) (a) A peculiar species of execution upon debts due to the crown, under which the lands and goods of the debtor may be seized to secure payment. (b) A process of execution by which the lands and goods of a debtor are valued and delivered to the creditor.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition