Agency Dictionary

Extension

nounPronunciation: /ɪkˈstɛn.ʃən/

In Portuguese: Extensão

What does “Extension” mean?

An educational program or institutional initiative that extends university resources, research, and expertise to the broader community.

Etymology

From Latin extensio, "a stretching out", from extendere, formed from ex ("out") and tendere ("to stretch"), by way of Old French. In English since about 1400. The educational sense comes from the phrase university extension, the name given in Britain in the later 19th century to lectures and courses that universities took to people outside their walls. In the United States the word also names the outreach services of the public universities, above all in agriculture.

Usage note

In this sense the word usually appears in compounds: extension course, extension program, extension service, university extension.

Synonyms

outreach
continuing education
community education
extramural studies

Often confused with

extent: Extent is the size or degree of something; extension is the act of stretching it further, or the part or service added.

Word family

extend
extensive
extensible
extent
extensively
extensor

Rhymes with

mention
invention
convention
dimension
pension
prevention
suspension
dissension

Concept

Materials EngineeringMaterials engineering is an applied scientific discipline that studies, develops, and optimizes the chemical structure, physical properties, and manufacturing behaviors…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Creative.5 - Pietro VeronaMay 24, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
collective consciousnessnoun: The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
Agoranoun: A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
Allegiancenoun: Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
Amalgamationnoun: The process of combining or uniting multiple distinct elements, genres, or organizations into a single coherent body. In music, it describes fusion between traditions.
Artisannoun: A skilled craftsperson who manufactures tangible or digital goods with exceptional manual dexterity and care.
artisanaladjective: Relating to or produced by manual craftsmanship and skilled hands rather than automated mass manufacturing.
Autodidacticadjective: Relating to or characterized by self-directed instruction, independent learning, and mastery without formal mentors.
baronnoun: A member of the aristocracy, or an influential magnate exercising commanding power in a specific industry.
Benefactornoun: A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.

Also from these editions: terms

vocationnoun: A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.
Bachelornoun: An undergraduate academic degree awarded by universities upon completion of a collegiate course of study.
Frenzynoun: A state of wild excitement, intense emotional agitation, or uncontrolled, energetic activity.
Inquisitiveadjective: Eager for knowledge, curious, and given to systematic investigation and inquiry.
Mischievousadjective: Showing a playful desire to cause trouble, teasing, or lighthearted harmless rebellion.
Portfolionoun: A curated collection of creative work, technical projects, or artistic samples assembled to showcase a designer's competence.
Projectilenoun: An object thrown, fired, or propelled through the air by external force.
Prototypenoun: An early preliminary model of a product from which subsequent forms and manufactured copies are developed and refined.
Relentlessadjective: Oppressively constant, unyielding, and refusing to abate in intensity, pace, or determination.
Settlementnoun: A small community or newly established village formed by migrating individuals settling in an area.