envergadura

Envergadura is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote the width or extent of something, most commonly the wingspan of birds and aircraft. In English, it corresponds to wingspan or span, defined as the distance between the tips of the wings when fully extended. In ornithology and aviation, envergadura is a key physical dimension used for classification, maneuverability considerations, lift, and silhouette, and it is routinely measured in meters or feet.

In birds, envergadura varies widely, from small passerines with wingspans around 0.15–0.25 meters to large raptors and waterbirds reaching 2–3 meters or more. In aviation, envergadura influences runway requirements, hangar size, and aerodynamic characteristics. Light general aviation airplanes typically have wingspans around 10–15 meters, most commercial airliners range approximately from 35 to 65 meters, and many wide-body jets approach up to about 80 meters.

Metaphorically, envergadura is used to describe the scale or significance of projects, organizations, or events, as in expressions meaning "of international scope" or "of major magnitude." The term thus functions both as a precise technical measure and as a broader evaluative concept in contemporary usage.