Distended: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is swollen due to pressure from the inside, often related to medical or biological conditions.

• The surgeon examined his distended abdomen carefully

Used to describe an increase in size or volume due to an external force or internal pressure, can also be used metaphorically and often has a negative or concerning connotation.

• Her ankle began to swell after she twisted it

Refers to something growing or increasing in size, range, or amount, often used in a more general or abstract sense.

• The company plans to expand its operations to Europe

Commonly used to describe something that inflates or expands in a round shape, can be literal or metaphorical.

• The cost of the project continued to balloon out of control

This word is typically used to describe something that has been expanded or swollen due to internal pressure. It often has a medical or negative connotation, implying an abnormal or unhealthy condition.

• The patient's abdomen was distended due to fluid buildup.
• The balloon became distended as air was pumped into it.

Used to describe something growing larger or spreading out over a larger area. It's suitable for describing physical, figurative, and abstract growth or extension.

• The company is planning to expand its operations into new markets.
• The universe continues to expand.

Appropriate for situations where something is made longer or stretched out. It is often used for both physical and metaphorical extensions.

• They decided to extend their vacation by a few days.
• The teacher extended the deadline for the homework assignment.

Commonly used when referring to making something bigger in size, range, or scope. It's often used in various contexts without a negative connotation.

• They plan to enlarge the kitchen to make more space.
• The photograph was enlarged to better see the details.

Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe a condition where an organ or part of the body is abnormally enlarged due to internal pressure.

• The patient's abdomen was distended due to the fluid buildup.
• The distended veins were a sign of the underlying health issue.

Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a part of the body that has increased in size due to injury, infection, or inflammation.

• Her ankle was swollen after she twisted it during the game.
• The bee sting caused his hand to become swollen.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a feeling of fullness or swelling in the stomach, often due to overeating or gas. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is excessively large in a negative or critical way.

• I feel bloated after eating that heavy meal.
• The company's budget is bloated with unnecessary expenses.

Typically used to describe objects that have been filled with air or gas. It can also be used to describe prices, egos, or claims that are made to seem bigger or more important than they actually are.

• The balloon was fully inflated for the party.
• The inflated prices during the holidays make everything so expensive.
• He has an inflated sense of his own importance.