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, détendre to
unbend. See Tend, and cf. Detent.] 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.
Syn. -- To dilate; expand; enlarge; swell; inflate.
Dis*tend", v. i. To become
expanded or inflated; to swell. "His heart distends with
pride." Milton.
