distend

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Distend' refers to the expansion or stretching of something, as a result of internal pressure. It's like when your abdomen bulges after a large meal.

Examples in Different Contexts

In literature, 'distend' might depict an emotional or psychological swelling. An author could write, 'His pride distended with each applause, making him more susceptible to vanity.'

Practice Scenarios

Healthcare

Scenario:

Your belly seems to have grown larger. Have you noticed any discomfort or changes in your eating habits recently?

Response:

I've been feeling a bit bloated recently. Do you think this could be causing my abdomen to distend?

Engineering

Scenario:

There seems to be some noticeable bulging on the south wall of the dam. Any insights on what could be causing this?

Response:

The continuous pressure from the water may be causing the dam wall to distend. We should consider reinforcing the structure.