distend

What does “distend” mean?

verb.to swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in scientific or medical contexts, particularly when describing physical changes in objects or biological processes. It emphasizes the idea of internal pressure leading to expansion, conveying a sense of strain or unnatural growth, which differentiates it from terms like "inflate," which suggests external addition rather than internal transformation.

Common Confusions

Distend implies swelling from internal pressure, while inflate usually suggests expansion through the addition of external air or gas.

Example Sentences

• The balloon began to distend as more air was forced inside.

• The balloon began to distend ominously as the air pressure increased, prompting everyone to step back in anticipation of a possible explosion.

Word Parts: How to Remember “distend”

Break “distend” into its parts: di- (apart, away). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: di- apart, away (Latin)