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distension
noun
dis·ten·sion
di-ˈsten(t)-shən
variants
or distention
: the act of distending or the state of being distended especially unduly or abnormally
Examples of distension in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Affected Organs Adult colic involves intestinal or urinary system pain in different types of colic:
Gallbladder
Biliary colic occurs as a result of distension (an increase in size) of your gallbladder.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Why Colic Results in Pain Colic results in pain that occurs due to distension, obstruction, or inflammation.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 24 June 2024
In the stomach, this stretching is called distension.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024
People with this type of obesity should try to eat one to two full meals a day in order to keep the stomach full so the distension signals the brain to stop eating.
—Alice Park, Time, 30 June 2023
Patients describe that body posture may affect their abdominal bloating, distension, and flatulence, but whether changes in position have objectively demonstrable effects, either beneficial or deleterious, has not been investigated.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2015
Large-volume condom distension significantly increased the electric waves' variables and pressure.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 4 Dec. 2010
The beneficial effects of melatonin were most apparent in terms of abdominal discomfort, stomach distension, and abnormal defecation sensation.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English distensioun, from Latin distention-, distentio, from distendere
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of distension was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near distension
Cite this Entry
“Distension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distension. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
distension
noun
dis·ten·sion
variants
or distention
: the act of distending or the state of being distended
Medical Definition
distension
noun
dis·ten·sion
variants
or distention
: the act of distending or the state of being distended especially unduly or abnormally
no noticeable distension of the abdomen—Benjamin Spock
More from Merriam-Webster on distension
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for distension
Britannica English: Translation of distension for Arabic Speakers
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