inch

noun

A small island.

noun

A unit of length in the US Customary and British Imperial systems, equal to 1/12 of a foot (2.54 centimeters).

noun

A fall, as of rain or snow, sufficient to cover a surface to the depth of one inch.

noun

A unit of atmospheric pressure that is equal to the pressure exerted by a one-inch column of mercury at the earth’s surface at a temperature of 0°C.

noun

A very small degree or amount.

intransitive & transitive verb

To move or cause to move slowly or by small degrees.

idiom

(every inch) In every respect; entirely.

idiom

(inch by inch) Very gradually or slowly.

idiom

(within an inch of) Almost to the point of.

To drive or force by inches or small degrees: as, to inch one’s way along.