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 ]

v. i. To become expanded or inflated; to swell. “His heart distends with pride.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality or capacity of being distensible. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being distended or dilated. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Same as Distention. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Distending, or capable of being distended. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Breadth. [ Obs. ] Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. distentus, p. p. See Distend. ] Distended. [ Poetic ] Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. distentio: cf. F. distension. ] 1. The act of distending; the act of stretching in breadth or in all directions; the state of being Distended; as, the distention of the lungs. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Breadth; extent or space occupied by the thing distended. [ 1913 Webster ]