Dis‐tend″ (?), 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.
But say, what mean those colored streaks in heaven
Distended as the brow of God appeased? Milton.
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.
The warmth distends the chinks. Dryden.
Syn. — To dilate; expand; enlarge; swell; inflate.