A "centiinch" is not a standard or widely recognized unit of measurement. In the International System of Units (SI), length is typically measured in meters and its subunits, such as centimeters (1 meter = 100 centimeters) and millimeters (1 meter = 1,000 millimeters).
The term "centiinch" appears to be a combination of two different measurement systems. "Centi-" is a prefix used in the metric system to denote a factor of 1/100, while "inch" is a unit of length in the imperial system commonly used in the United States and some other countries.
If someone is using the term "centiinch," it may be intended as a humorous or informal way to express a very small length in a mixed-unit fashion, but it is not part of any standard or recognized system of measurement. To avoid confusion, it's generally best to use established units like centimeters or millimeters when measuring small lengths in the metric system, or inches when using the imperial system.
A "span" is a traditional unit of length used for measuring cloth or fabric. It was historically used in various countries, including England, and is based on the width of the human hand or the spread of the fingers. The actual length of a span could vary depending on the region and historical context.
In England, a span was typically equal to 9 inches or approximately 22.86 centimeters. However, it's important to note that the definition of a span could vary from place to place and over time.