Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - wide

 I. adjective  (~r; ~st)  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wid; akin to Old High German wit ~  Date: before 12th century  1.  a. having great extent ; vast a ~ area  b. extending over a vast area ; extensive a ~ reputation  c. extending throughout a specified area or scope — usually used in combination nation~ industry-~  d. comprehensive, inclusive a ~ assortment  2.  a. having a specified extension from side to side 3 feet ~  b. having much extent between the sides ; broad a ~ doorway  c. fully opened ~-eyed  d. lax 4  3.  a. extending or fluctuating considerably between limits a ~ variation  b. straying or deviating from something specified — used with of the accusation was ~ of the truth  4. of an animal ration relatively rich in carbohydrate as compared with protein  Synonyms: see broad  • ~ness noun  II. adverb  (~r; ~st)  Date: before 12th century  1.  a. over a great distance or extent ; ~ly searched far and ~  b. over a specified distance, area, or extent — usually used in combination expanded the business country-~  2.  a. so as to leave much space or distance between placed ~ apart  b. so as to pass at or clear by a considerable distance ran ~ around left end  3. to the fullest extent ; completely, fully ~ open