distended
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈstɛndɪd/
KK: /dɪˈstɛndɪd/
adjective
Definition
Swollen or enlarged due to internal pressure, often referring to a part of the body or an object that has expanded beyond its normal size.
Example
After eating too much, her stomach felt distended and uncomfortable.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a distended stomach after a big meal?
Yes, it can look pretty uncomfortable!
Right? It makes me feel so full just looking at it.
I know, I try to avoid that feeling by eating slowly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
swollen
expanded
inflated
Antonyms
deflated
contracted
shrunken
verb
Definition
To swell or expand due to pressure from within.
Example
After eating too much, my stomach felt distended and uncomfortable.
Tense Forms
Past: distended
Past Participle: distended
Conversation
Did you notice how my stomach distended after that big meal?
Yeah, I thought you were going to burst!
I really need to eat smaller portions next time.
Root Explanation
Distended → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "tendere" (meaning to stretch). The word describes something that has been stretched apart or expanded.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'stretched apart' — 'dis-' means apart, and 'tendere' means to stretch.
Visually Confused Words
undistended
wistened
intended