| memory span | The maximum number of items recalled after a single presentation (auditory or visual). (05 Mar 2000) |
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| span | 1. <anatomy> The space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a fathom. 2. Hence, a small space or a brief portion of time. "Yet not to earth's contracted span Thy goodness let me bound." (Pope) "Life's but a span; I'll every inch enjoy." (Farquhar) 3. The spread or extent of an arch between its abutments, or of a beam, girder, truss, roof, bridge, or the like, between its supports. 4. A rope having its ends made fast so that a purchase can be hooked to the bight; also, a rope made fast in the center so that both ends can be used. 5. A pair of horses or other animals driven together; usually, such a pair of horses when similar in colour, form, and action. Span blocks, a large bolt driven through the forecastle deck, with a triangular shackle in the head to receive the heel of the old-fashioned fish davit. Origin: AS. Spann; akin to D. Span, OHG. Spanna, G. Spanne, Icel. Sponn. See Span. (17 Mar 1998) |
| attention | Focusing on certain aspects of current experience to the exclusion of others. It is the act of heeding or taking notice or concentrating. (12 Dec 1998) |
| attention deficit disorder | An inability to control behaviour due to difficulty in processing neural stimuli. (12 Dec 1998) |
| attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity | A behaviour disorder originating in childhood in which the essential features are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although most individuals have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, one or the other pattern may be predominant. The disorder is more frequent in males than females. Onset is in childhood. Symptoms often attenuate during late adolescence although a minority experience the full complement of symptoms into mid-adulthood. (12 Dec 1998) |
| attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | <psychiatry> A condition seen in children where there is increased motor activity in association with poor attention span. Often treated with amphetamine medications. (27 Sep 1997) |