range

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.
Phrases and idioms:
ranging-pole (or -rod) Surveying a pole or rod for setting a straight line.
Etymology: ME f. OF range row, rank f. ranger f. rang RANK(1)