In geometric measurements, length most commonly refers to the longest dimension of an object.
In certain contexts, the term "length" is reserved for a certain dimension of an object along which the length is measured. For example it is possible to cut a length of a wire which is shorter than wire thickness. Another example is FET transistors, in which the channel width may be larger than channel length.
Length may be distinguished from height, which is vertical extent, and width or breadth, which are the distance from side to side, measuring across the object at right angles to the length.
Length is a measure of one dimension, whereas area is a measure of two dimensions (length squared) and volume is a measure of three dimensions (length cubed). In most systems of measurement, the unit of length is a fundamental unit, from which other units are defined.
Famous quotes containing the word length:
“those far-fet helps be such
As do bewray a want of inward touch,
and sure at length stolen goods do come to light.
But if, both for your love and skill, your name
You seek to nurse at fullest breasts of Fame,
Stella behold, and then begin to indite.”
—Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)
“You will, I am sure, agree with me that ... if page 534 only finds us in the second chapter, the length of the first one must have been really intolerable.”
—Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)
“The grace of novelty and the length of habit, though so very opposite to one another, yet agree in this, that they both alike keep us from discovering the faults of our friends.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)