reɪndʒ n. & v. --n. 1 a
the region between limits of
variation,
esp. as representing a scope of
effective operation (a
voice of astonishing range; the
whole range of politics). b
such limits. c a
limited scale or
series (the range of the
thermometer readings is
about 10 degrees). 2 the
area included in or
concerned with something. 3 a the
distance attainable by a
gun or
projectile (the
enemy are
out of range). b the distance between a gun or projectile
and its objective. 4 a row, series, line, or
tier, esp. of mountains or buildings. 5 a an
open or enclosed area with targets
for shooting. b a testing-ground for
military equipment. 6 a a
fireplace with ovens and hotplates for
cooking. b US an
electric or
gas cooker. 7 the area
over which a
thing, esp. a
plant or
animal, is distributed (gives the ranges of
all species). 8 the distance
that can be covered by a
vehicle or
aircraft without refuelling. 9 the distance between a
camera and the
subject to be photographed. 10 the
extent of
time covered by a
forecast etc. 11 a a
large area of open
land for
grazing or
hunting. b a tract over which
one wanders. 12 lie,
direction (the range of the
strata is
east and west). --v. 1 intr. a
reach; lie
spread out;
extend; be found or
occur over a specified
district;
vary between limits (ages ranging
from twenty to sixty). b
run in a line (ranges
north and south). 2 tr. (usu. in
passive or refl.)
place or
arrange in a row or ranks or in a specified
situation or
order or
company (ranged
their troops; ranged
themselves with the
majority party; trees ranged in ascending order of height). 3 intr. rove,
wander (ranged
through the woods;
his thoughts range over
past, present, and future). 4 tr.
traverse in all directions (ranging the woods). 5
Printing a tr.
Brit.
make (type) lie flush at the ends of
successive lines. b intr. (of type) lie flush. 6 intr. a (often foll. by with) be
level. b (foll. by with, among) rank;
find one's
right place (ranges with the
great writers). 7 intr. a (of a gun)
send a projectile over a specified distance (ranges over a mile). b (of a projectile)
cover a specified distance. c
obtain the range of a
target by adjustment
after firing past it or
short of
it. øranging-pole (or -rod) Surveying a
pole or
rod for
setting a
straight line. [ME f. OF range row, rank f.
ranger f.
rang RANK(1)]