Distention: meaning, definitions and examples
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distention
[ dɪˈstɛnʃən ]
medical condition
Distention refers to the state of being extended or swollen due to the accumulation of gas, liquid, or solid matter within a bodily organ or cavity. It is commonly associated with various medical conditions, including gastrointestinal issues, where the abdomen may become noticeably enlarged or tense. This can lead to discomfort and may indicate underlying health problems that require medical attention. Distention can also occur in other areas of the body, depending on the cause.
Synonyms
enlargement, expansion, inflation, swelling.
Examples of usage
- The patient complained of abdominal distention after eating.
- Distention can be a sign of intestinal obstruction.
- She experienced severe distention and discomfort.
- The doctor examined the area for signs of fluid distention.
Translations
Translations of the word "distention" in other languages:
🇵🇹 distensão
🇮🇳 फैलाव
🇩🇪 Dehnung
🇮🇩 distensi
🇺🇦 дистензія
🇵🇱 rozciąganie
🇯🇵 膨張
🇫🇷 distension
🇪🇸 distensión
🇹🇷 gerilme
🇰🇷 팽창
🇸🇦 تمدد
🇨🇿 roztažení
🇸🇰 rozťahovanie
🇨🇳 膨胀
🇸🇮 raztegovanje
🇮🇸 teygja
🇰🇿 кеңейту
🇬🇪 გაფართოება
🇦🇿 genişlənmə
🇲🇽 distensión
Etymology
The word 'distention' is derived from the Latin verb 'distentare', which means 'to stretch out' or 'to extend'. The root 'tendere' translates to 'to stretch', which reflects the physical characteristics associated with the condition. The term began to be used in medical contexts in the early 19th century, particularly to describe conditions involving the swelling of body parts. Over time, its usage expanded to cover various areas of medicine, particularly in discussions of gastrointestinal health, where it remains prevalent in diagnosing issues related to bloating or fluid accumulation. The word is often used in conjunction with various adjectives to describe the severity and location of the distention, helping health professionals communicate more effectively about patients' conditions.