Distend
/dɪˈstɛnd/noun
To swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside.
Did you know?The concept of distension has been linked to alchemical transformation, where substances expand to reveal their true essence, much like our emotions can swell under pressure.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ten-
“To stretch, extend.”
Latin
Latin
distendere
“To stretch out, extend.”
Old French
Old French
destendre
“To unbend, to stretch.”
14th Century
Middle English
destenden
“To stretch out or extend.”
Modern English
English
distend
“To swell or expand by internal pressure.”