Nearby Words

distending

[dih-stend] Origin

dis·tend

[dih-stend]
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
1.
to expand by stretching, as something hollow or elastic: Habitual overeating had distended his stomach.
2.
to spread in all directions; expand; swell: The sea distended about them.

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

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


1. See expand. 1, 2. enlarge, bloat.


1, 2. shrink, contract.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Distending is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

distend
c.1400, from L. distendere "to swell or stretch out, extend," from dis- "apart" + tendere "to stretch" (see tenet). Related: Distended.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

distend di·stend (dĭ-stěnd')
v. dis·tend·ed, dis·tend·ing, dis·tends
To swell out or expand or cause to swell out or expand from or as if from internal pressure.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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