
Distended
Stretch out or become larger or wider, often due to internal pressure or inflation; also used to describe swelling.
adjectiveDistended
Stretch out or become larger or wider, often due to internal pressure or inflation; also used to describe swelling.
adjective
Imagine This
A balloon gradually inflating, symbolizing expansion and growth, surrounded by vibrant colors and soft clouds, representing a joyful atmosphere.
Sounds Like
dih-STEND-id
Looks Like
Looks like distend (root verb) or distension (noun); visually similar to 'extended' or 'stretched'
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.
Other Forms
Connect With
expand, swell, enlarge, bloated, engorged
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.
Study Deeper
- After overeating, his abdomen became distended and uncomfortable.
- The balloon distended as more air was pumped into it.
From Latin distendere 'to stretch apart', from dis- 'apart' + tendere 'to stretch'.
DisTENDed: dis- (apart) + tend (to stretch); something that is distended has been stretched apart.
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