Category:Distend

Dis*tend", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distended; p. pr. & vb. n. Distending.] Etym: [L. distendere, distentum, distensum; dis- + tendere to stretch, stretch out: cf. F. distendre to distend, détendre 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.

distend Dis*tend", v. i.

Defn: To become expanded or inflated; to swell. "His heart distends with pride." Milton.