To swell or expand from internal pressure; to stretch out or enlarge beyond normal size. It often describes something becoming bloated or enlarged due to pressure from within.
From Latin 'distendere' meaning 'to stretch apart' (dis- 'apart' + tendere 'to stretch'). The word emphasizes stretching in different directions due to internal force or pressure.
Think 'dis-' + 'tend' - instead of tending (caring for) something to keep it normal size, you're 'dis-tending' it by letting it stretch out! Like a balloon distending as you blow air into it.
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