[wide] adj wider ; wid.est [ME, fr. OE wid; akin to OHG wit wide] (bef. 12c) 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--usu. used in combination "nationwide" "industry-wide" 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 "wide-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 syn see broad -- wide.ness n
[2]wide adv wid.er ; wid.est (bef. 12c) 1 a: over a great distance or extent: widely "searched far and ~" b: over a specified distance, area, or extent--usu. in combination "expanded the business country-wide"
2. a: so as to leave much space or distance between b: so as to pass at or clear by a considerable distance "ran ~ around left end"
3: to the fullest extent: completely, fully "~ open"