handbreadth

/ˈhændˌbrɛdθ/
noun
  1. A unit of length equal to the width of a hand, typically about 4 inches (10 centimeters).
    • The gap between the rocks was only a handbreadth wide.
    • The ancient tablet measured about a handbreadth in width.
    • She cut the ribbon to a handbreadth for the craft project.
  2. A very small amount or distance.
    • There was barely a handbreadth of space between the two cars.
    • He missed the target by a handbreadth.
    • The climber clung to a handbreadth of ledge.
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