Word of the Day : December 4, 2020

distend \dih-STEND\ verb

Definition

1 : extend

2 : to enlarge, expand, or stretch out (as from internal pressure) : swell

Did You Know?

The history of the word distend stretches back to the Latin verb tendere—a root whose kin have really expanded the English language. To find evidence of this expansion, look to words that include "tend" or "tent"; many have tendere, which means "to stretch, extend, or spread," in their family tree. Perhaps the simplest example is tent, which names a shelter made from a piece of material stretched over a frame. You'll also find the influence of tendere in extend, tendon, contend, portend, and tendency.

Aired December 4, 2020

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