distended

[ dih-sten-did ]
/ dɪˈstɛn dɪd /

adjective

increased, as in size, volume, etc.; expanded; dilated: the distended nostrils of the terrified horse.
swollen, by or as by internal pressure, out of normal size or shape; protuberant: distended wineskins; the distended arteries of his neck.

Origin of distended

First recorded in 1590–1600; distend + -ed2

OTHER WORDS FROM distended

dis·tend·ed·ly, adverb dis·tend·ed·ness, noun

Definition for distended (2 of 2)

distend
[ dih-stend ]
/ dɪˈstɛnd /

verb (used with or without object)

to expand by stretching, as something hollow or elastic: Habitual overeating had distended his stomach.
to spread in all directions; expand; swell: The sea distended about them.

Origin of distend

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Anglo-French destendre) < Latin distendere, equivalent to dis- dis-1 + tendere to stretch

SYNONYMS FOR distend

1 See expand.
1, 2 enlarge, bloat.

OTHER WORDS FROM distend

dis·tend·er, noun o·ver·dis·tend, verb un·dis·tend, verb (used with object)

Example sentences from the Web for distended

British Dictionary definitions for distended

distend
/ (dɪˈstɛnd) /

verb

to expand or be expanded by or as if by pressure from within; swell; inflate
(tr) to stretch out or extend
(tr) to magnify in importance; exaggerate

Derived forms of distend

distender, noun distensible, adjective distensibility, noun distension or distention, noun

Word Origin for distend

C14: from Latin distendere, from dis- 1 + tendere to stretch

Medical definitions for distended

distend
[ dĭ-stĕnd ]

v.

To swell out or expand or cause to swell out or expand from or as if from internal pressure.