/ ɪkˈspænd; NAmE / verb
1.
to become greater in size, number or importance; to make sth greater in size, number or importance :
[ v ]
Metals expand when they are heated.
Student numbers are expanding rapidly.
A child's vocabulary expands through reading.
The waist expands to fit all sizes.
[ vn ]
In breathing the chest muscles expand the rib cage and allow air to be sucked into the lungs.
The new system expanded the role of family doctors.
There are no plans to expand the local airport.
OPP contract
2.
if a business expands or is expanded , new branches are opened, it makes more money, etc. :
[ vn ]
We've expanded the business by opening two more stores.
[ v ]
an expanding economy (= with more businesses starting and growing)
3.
[ v ] to talk more; to add details to what you are saying :
I repeated the question and waited for her to expand.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- expand on / upon sth
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin expandere to spread out, from ex- out + pandere to spread.