inch
n. countablen. a small unit for measuring length, equal to about 2.5 centimeters. You can also use it to talk about moving a very small distance.
n. a unit of linear measure equal to one-twelfth of a foot or 2.54 centimetres. Often used figuratively to denote a very small amount or distance.
The screen is fifty inches wide.
The hikers moved forward inch by inch as the mountain path became steeper and more dangerous.
The negotiator refused to yield even an inch on the primary clause, knowing that any concession would undermine the entire legal framework of the agreement.
From Middle English ynche, enche, from Old English ynċe, borrowed from Latin uncia (“Roman inch, various similar units”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *óynos (“one”). Cognate with Middle Dutch enke (“thumb, thumb's width, inch”). Doublet of ounce, uncia, onça, onza, oka, ouguiya, and awqiyyah.
From Scots inch, from Scottish Gaelic innis.
Semantic loan from Cantonese 寸 (cyun³, “inch”), which is an alternative form of 串 (cyun³, “cocky; to provoke; etc.”).
Commonly used in the fixed phrase 'inch by inch' to describe slow, steady progress.