d(y)əˈrāshən, -)u̇ˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin duration-, duratio, from Latin duratus (past participle of durare to last) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at dure
1. : the quality or state of lasting for a period of time : continuation in time or existence : lastingness
a play of short duration
2. : a portion of time which is measurable or during which something exists, lasts, or is in progress
gave up all worries for the duration of the holiday
the duration of a meal
the duration of life
the duration of the world
the duration of the play
specifically : the period of time during which something that almost totally obstructs or prevents normal activities (as a war) or that engages virtually all one's efforts or attention is in progress — used with the
universities had to be persuaded to scrap their scientific and educational responsibilities for the duration and take on war work — J.B.Conant
once you were in the theater, and the lights were dimmed, you were there for the duration — Burns Mantle
3. obsolete : durableness or endurance in use
• du·ra·tion·al -shən ə l, -shnəl adjective
• du·ra·tion·al·ly -ē adverb