distention

Or dis·ten·sion

[dih-sten-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of distending or the state of being distended. distended.

Other Word Forms

• hyperdistention noun
• overdistention noun
• superdistention noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distention¹

1375–1425; late Middle English distensioun < Latin distentiōn- (stem of distentiō ), equivalent to distent ( us ) distent + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

She said the the new trial had aimed to establish if the cancer could be diagnosed earlier for women with persistent symptoms, such as bloating, stomach pain and distention.

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Patients’ symptoms often are severe — fatigue, abdominal distention, swollen legs and general feelings of malaise.

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No question the stunning development of Poole has broadened the floor and meant even more distention for panting defenses.

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Carbonation can also make acid reflux worse and have a “filling effect,” which may diminish your appetite by creating distention in your belly, she added.

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If you stop yourself from releasing gas — perhaps because you’re embarrassed — or if you have a health condition that impairs normal gas release, gas will build up and can cause bloating and abdominal distention.

Read more on Seattle Times