'Distending' definitions:

Definition of 'Distending'

From: GCIDE
  • Distend \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['e]tendre to unbend. See Tend, and cf. Detent.]
  • 1. To extend in some one direction; to lengthen out; to stretch. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • But say, what mean those colored streaks in heaven Distended as the brow of God appeased? --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The warmth distends the chinks. --Dryden.
  • Syn: To dilate; expand; enlarge; swell; inflate. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Distending'