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, d'etendre 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.
© Webster 1913.
Dis*tend", v. i.
To become expanded or inflated; to swell.
"His heart
distends with pride."
Milton.
© Webster 1913.