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Definition of Distend
1. Verb. Become wider. "His pupils were dilated"
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"
3. Verb. Swell from or as if from internal pressure. "Did his feet distend?"; "The distended bellies of the starving cows"
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
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