— distender , n.
/di stend"/ , v.t. , v.i.
1. to expand by stretching, as something hollow or elastic: Habitual overeating had distended his stomach.
2. to spread in all directions; expand; swell: The sea distended about them.
[ 1375-1425; late ME ( destendre ) distendere, equiv. to dis- DIS- 1 + tendere to stretch ]
Syn. 1. See expand. 1, 2. enlarge, bloat.
Ant. 1, 2. shrink, contract.