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, détendre to unbend. See Tend, and cf. Detent. ] 1. To extend in some one direction; to lengthen out; to stretch. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] But say, what mean those colored streaks in heaven
Distended as the brow of God appeased? Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] The warmth distends the chinks. Dryden. Syn. -- To dilate; expand; enlarge; swell; inflate. [ 1913 Webster ] | 