BROAD. adj. The distance between the two nearest sides of any body, whose geometrical dimensions are larger in one direction than in another; and has a reference to superficies only, and never to the solid contents. Opposed to narrow.
1. Broad, in the strictest acceptance, is applied to denote those bodies only whose sides are altogether open and unconfining; as, a broad table, a broad wheel, &c. and in these cases it is invariably contrasted by the word narrow; nor is there any other word which in these cases can be considered as synonymous with it, or used in its stead.
2. When any object is in some sort bounded on the sides, although not quite closed up, as a road, street, ditch, &c. either broad or wide may be employed, but with some difference of signification; broad being most properly used for those that are more open, and wide for those which are more confined: nor can this term be ever applied to such objects as are close bounded all around, as a house, a church, &c. wide being here employed. For the more accurate distinctions in these cases, see the article WIDE.