Definitions for: Distend

[v] swell from or as if from internal pressure; "The distended bellies of the starving cows"
[v] become wider; "His pupils were dilated"

Webster (1913) Definition: Dis*tend", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distended; p. pr. &
vb. n. Distending.] [L. distendere, distentum, distensum;
dis- + tendere to stretch, stretch out: cf. F. distendre to
distend, d['e]tendre to unbend. See Tend, and cf.
Detent.]
1. To extend in some one direction; to lengthen out; to
stretch. [R.]

But say, what mean those colored streaks in heaven
Distended as the brow of God appeased? --Milton.

2. To stretch out or extend in all directions; to dilate; to
enlarge, as by elasticity of parts; to inflate so as to
produce tension; to cause to swell; as, to distend a
bladder, the stomach, etc.

The warmth distends the chinks. --Dryden.

Syn: To dilate; expand; enlarge; swell; inflate.

Dis*tend", v. i.
To become expanded or inflated; to swell. ``His heart
distends with pride.'' --Milton.

Synonyms: dilate

See Also: intumesce, swell, swell up, tumefy, widen

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