distend
verb (used with or without object)
to expand by stretching, as something hollow or elastic.
distends
-
present tense formof distend (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In his 1979 piece “Triangle — Stone/Cloth,” which leads off the exhibition, a fist-size rock distends a white banner into a triangular rictus of billows.
From New York Times ● Apr. 10, 2019
In contrast, food that distends the stomach initiates short reflexes that cause cells in the stomach wall to increase their secretion of digestive juices.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
Within an hour of lunch, the stomach distends to the point where pants need to be unbuttoned, and it remains this way for the rest of the day.
From US News ● Nov. 21, 2012
An analogy often invoked across Afghanistan is that of the water-filled bag: squeeze the bottom, the top distends.
From New York Times ● Feb. 1, 2012
There is a little nourishment in it, and it distends their stomachs, and gives them the feeling of having had a meal.
From Expositions of Holy Scripture Isaiah and Jeremiah by Alexander Maclaren
