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'etendre 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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Dis*tend", v. i.

To become expanded or inflated; to swell.

"His heart distends with pride."

Milton.

 

© Webster 1913.

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