Definition of Distend

1. Verb. Become wider. "His pupils were dilated"

Exact synonyms: Dilate
Generic synonyms: Widen
Derivative terms: Dilatation, Dilatation, Dilation, Dilator, Dilator, Dilator, Distensible, Distension, Distension, Distention

2. Verb. Cause to expand as it by internal pressure. "The gas distended the animal's body"
Generic synonyms: Bloat
Derivative terms: Distention

3. Verb. Swell from or as if from internal pressure. "Did his feet distend?"; "The distended bellies of the starving cows"
Generic synonyms: Intumesce, Swell, Swell Up, Tumefy, Tumesce
Derivative terms: Distension, Distension, Distention

Definition of Distend

1. v. t. To extend in some one direction; to lengthen out; to stretch.

2. v. i. To become expanded or inflated; to swell.

Definition of Distend

1. to swell [v -ED, -ING, -S] - See also: swell

Medical Definition of Distend

1. To become expanded or inflated; to swell. "His heart distends with pride." 1. To extend in some one direction; to lengthen out; to stretch. "But say, what mean those coloured 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) Synonym: To dilate, expand, enlarge, swell, inflate. Origin: L. Distendere, distentum, distensum; dis- + tendere to stretch, stretch out: cf. F. Distendre to distend, detendre to unbend. See Tend, and cf. Detent. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Distend

distastes
distasting
distaves
distelfink
distelfinks
distemper
distemper
distemperate
distemperature
distemperatures
distempered
distempering
distempers
distemper virus
distend (current term)
distend (current term)
distended
distender
distenders
distending
distends
distensibility
distensibility
distensible
distension
distension
distensions
distent
distention
distention

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