WordGarden.iodistention
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪstˈɛnʃən/
US
- /dɪstˈɛnʃən/
Meanings
Noun
swelling or enlargement of a body part, organ, or cavity from internal pressure
Beyond the definition
Imagine blowing up a balloon—that outward push, that stretching of the material—that's distention! It describes something expanding or being stretched from within, often due to pressure. You might experience abdominal distention after a big meal, or doctors might look for bladder distention during an exam. While it can be uncomfortable, distention isn't always a sign of illness; sometimes it's just natural expansion. Think of a pregnant belly—that's a clear example of distention!
Distention refers to the condition of being stretched or expanded beyond normal limits. It often describes an abnormal enlargement of an organ or body part, usually caused by gas, fluid, or solid material accumulating inside. While we often associate it with medical contexts—like abdominal distention from bloating or esophageal distention during a procedure—the concept extends beyond the body.
Think about a river swelling after heavy rain; that's a form of distention. Or consider how a hot air balloon expands as it fills with heated air—again, distention at work! In medical terms, doctors might note "bladder distention" if your bladder is overly full, or "intestinal distention," indicating gas buildup in the intestines. It's important to distinguish distention from dilation, which refers to the widening of an opening or vessel. Distention implies stretching from within.
The word comes from the Latin distendere, meaning "to stretch out." So, next time you feel a bit bloated after enjoying a delicious meal, remember that feeling is technically… distention! It's a word that speaks to expansion, pressure, and sometimes, a little discomfort.
Examples
- 1
Medical exam
The nurse checked for abdominal distention before sending him home.
- Phraseabdominal distention
a common medical phrase
- 2
Clinic symptoms
She went back to the clinic because the bloating had turned into painful distention.
- Usage
distention is more medical and serious-sounding than bloating
- 3
CT findings
The CT scan showed distention of the small bowel, which can happen with a blockage.
- Patterndistention of + body part or area
a common medical pattern
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- abdominal distention
- gastric distention
- bladder distention
- bowel distention
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- distentionnoun
Forms
- distentionspluralnoun