distended

American  

[dih-sten-did] / dɪˈstɛn dɪd /

adjective

1. increased, as in size, volume, etc.; expanded; dilated.

   the distended nostrils of the terrified horse.

2. swollen, by or as by internal pressure, out of normal size or shape; protuberant.

   distended wineskins; the distended arteries of his neck.

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Other Word Forms

• distendedly adverb
• distendedness noun

Etymology

Origin of distended

First recorded in 1590–1600; distend + -ed ²

Example Sentences

To actually feel intoxicated, a chimp would need to eat so much fruit that its stomach would become painfully distended.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2025

Onyeaka wondered if that abundance could be harnessed to feed people in conflict zones where children were suffering from malnutrition, their distended stomachs a clear sign of protein deficiency.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2025

The first two were great fun, and apparently being subsumed into the distended viscera of the MCU won’t stop “Deadpool and Wolverine” or whatever from being R-rated fun.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2024

Medics noted the baby had projectile vomited at about 02:00 BST and her abdomen appeared "purple and distended".

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2023

The leeches wriggled slowly between her fingers as she plucked them carefully from the lord's body, their pale bodies moist to the touch and distended with blood.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin