Distend \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, d['e]tendre to unbend. See {Tend}, and cf.
{Detent}.]
1. To extend in some one direction; to lengthen out; to
stretch. [R.]

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.