Vocabulary in context
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Distended
Stretch out or become larger or wider, often due to internal pressure or inflation; also used to describe swelling.
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Imagine This
A balloon gradually inflating, symbolizing expansion and growth, surrounded by vibrant colors and soft clouds, representing a joyful atmosphere.
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Sounds Like
dih-STEND-id
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Looks Like
Looks like distend (root verb) or distension (noun); visually similar to 'extended' or 'stretched'
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Remember This
Distended comes from Latin distendere, meaning to stretch apart. It is commonly used for body parts, organs, or balloons that are stretched or swollen.
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Other Forms
distendverb
distensionnoun
distentionnoun
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Connect With
expand, swell, enlarge, bloated, engorged
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Note
Use distended primarily for something that has been stretched or swollen beyond its normal size; not for emotions or abstract concepts. Distended is the adjective form; related nouns are distension/distention and the verb distend.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- After overeating, his abdomen became distended and uncomfortable.
- The balloon distended as more air was pumped into it.
Synonyms
swollenbloatedenlargedexpandedengorged
Antonyms
contractedshrunkencollapsed
Etymology
From Latin distendere 'to stretch apart', from dis- 'apart' + tendere 'to stretch'.
Mnemonic
DisTENDed: dis- (apart) + tend (to stretch); something that is distended has been stretched apart.
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