Why Does Distended Mean?

to expand by stretching, as something hollow or elastic: Habitual overeating had distended his stomach. to spread in all directions; expand; swell: The sea distended about them.

What does it mean if something is distended?

transitive verb. 1 : extend the main outlines of the land yet lay clearly distended before them— Norman Douglas. 2 : to enlarge, expand, or stretch out (as from internal pressure) : swell a distended abdomen. intransitive verb. : to become enlarged, expanded, or stretched out causing the stomach to distend.

Does distended mean swollen?

If a part of your body is distended, or if it distends, it becomes swollen and unnaturally large.