01 v. t. To extend in some one direction; to lengthen out; to stretch.
imp. & p. p.
Distended; p. pr. & vb. n.
Distending
-
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.