expand
to increase in extent, size, volume, scope, etc.: Heat expands most metals. He hopes to expand his company.
to spread or stretch out; unfold: A bird expands its wings.
to express in fuller form or greater detail; develop: to expand a short story into a novel.
Mathematics.
to write (a mathematical expression) so as to show the products of its factors.: Compare factor (def. 10).
to rewrite (a mathematical expression) as a sum, product, etc., of terms of a particular kind: to expand a function in a power series.
to increase or grow in extent, bulk, scope, etc.: Most metals expand with heat. The mind expands with experience.
to spread out; unfold; develop: The buds had not yet expanded.
to express something more fully or in greater detail (usually followed by on or upon): to expand on a statement.
Origin of expand
1synonym study For expand
Other words for expand
Other words from expand
- ex·pand·a·ble, ex·pand·i·ble, adjective
- ex·pand·a·bil·i·ty, ex·pand·i·bil·i·ty, noun
- non·ex·pand·ing, adjective
- o·ver·ex·pand, verb
- pre·ex·pand, verb (used with object)
- re·ex·pand, verb
- self-ex·pand·ing, adjective
- su·per·ex·pand, verb
- un·ex·pand·a·ble, adjective
- un·ex·pand·ing, adjective
Words that may be confused with expand
- expand , expend
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for expand
/ (ɪkˈspænd) /
to make or become greater in extent, volume, size, or scope; increase
to spread out or be spread out; unfold; stretch out
(intr often foll by on) to enlarge or expatiate on (a story, topic, etc) in detail
(intr) to become increasingly relaxed, friendly, or talkative
maths to express (a function or expression) as the sum or product of terms
Origin of expand
1Derived forms of expand
- expandable, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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