DISTENDING

Verb

distending

present participle of distend

Source: Wiktionary


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.

Dis*tend", v. i.

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

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

19 May 2025

CHEMICAL

(adjective) of or made from or using substances produced by or used in reactions involving atomic or molecular changes; “chemical fertilizer”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.

coffee icon