adj
distended
dih-STEHN-dihd
Distended (adj) means Swollen or stretched out, especially from internal pressure. Example: “The patient's abdomen was visibly distended.”
adj
1
Swollen or stretched out, especially from internal pressure.
"The patient's abdomen was visibly distended."
How to use distended
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSwollen or bulging outward, usually because something inside is pushing on it.
Common pairings
distended abdomen
distended belly
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like distended.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more distended
- Superlative
- most distended
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The patient's abdomen was visibly _____.
Etymology
Past participle of "distend," from Latin distendere, "to stretch out."
Related words
Rhymes for distended
ended
bended
blended
amended
defended
extended
intended
attended
expended
pretended
suspended
unattended
See all rhymes for distended →
Frequently asked questions
What does “distended” mean?
The word “distended” means swollen or stretched out, especially from internal pressure. In plain terms, swollen or bulging outward, usually because something inside is pushing on it.
How do you pronounce “distended”?
“Distended” is pronounced dih-STEHN-dihd (/dɪˈstɛndɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “distended” in a sentence?
Here is “distended” used in a sentence: “The patient's abdomen was visibly distended.”
What part of speech is “distended”?
“Distended” is an adjective.
Where does the word “distended” come from?
The word “distended” comes from Latin. Past participle of "distend," from Latin distendere, "to stretch out.".
