distention

or dis·ten·sion

[ dih-sten-shuhn ]
See synonyms for distention on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the act of distending or the state of being distended.

Origin of distention

1
1375–1425; late Middle English distensioun<Latin distentiōn- (stem of distentiō), equivalent to distent(us) distent + -iōn--ion

Other words from distention

  • hy·per·dis·ten·tion, noun
  • o·ver·dis·ten·tion, noun
  • su·per·dis·ten·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use distention in a sentence

  • This overdistention gradually led to degenerations in the arterial walls.

    Makers of Modern Medicine | James J. Walsh
  • He pointed out that the excitation of the heart due to the action of alcohol was reflected in an overdistention of the arteries.

    Makers of Modern Medicine | James J. Walsh