~ 1
■ noun
1》 a unit of linear measure equal to one twelfth of a foot (2.54 cm).
↘( ~es ) informal a person's height or waist measurement.
↘a very small amount or distance.
2》 a quantity of rainfall that would cover a horizontal surface to a depth of one ~.
3》 (also ~ of mercury ) a unit of atmospheric pressure able to support a column of mercury one-~ high in a barometer.
■ verb move along slowly and carefully.
Phrases
every ~
1》 the whole surface, distance, or area.
2》 entirely; very much so.
( to ) within an ~ of one's life almost to the point of death.
Origin
OE ynce , from L. uncia 'twelfth part', from unus 'one' (prob. denoting a unit): cf. ounce 1 .
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~ 2
■ noun chiefly Scottish (in place names) a small island or area of high land.
Origin
ME: from Sc. Gaelic innis .