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

Swollen or stretched out, especially from internal pressure.

"The patient's abdomen was visibly distended."

How to use distended

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSwollen or bulging outward, usually because something inside is pushing on it.

Common pairings

distended abdomen distended belly

Word forms

more distended comparative, most distended superlative

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The patient's abdomen was visibly _____.

Etymology

Past participle of "distend," from Latin distendere, "to stretch out."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for distended

ended bended blended amended defended extended intended attended expended pretended suspended unattended

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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.".