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
This produces gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, distension, and diarrhea.18
Several methods can reduce compounds that cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
—
Merve Ceylan, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes Endometriosis can cause bloating, which is when your abdomen increases in size, and distension, which is a feeling of uncomfortable fullness in your abdomen.23 A lot of people with endometriosis refer to this as endo belly.
—Sarah Bence, Health, 28 Dec. 2024
There, the balloon’s inflated with either liquid or gas to cause the mechanical distension needed for a continuous sensation of satiety.
—New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Merve Ceylan, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes Endometriosis can cause bloating, which is when your abdomen increases in size, and distension, which is a feeling of uncomfortable fullness in your abdomen.23 A lot of people with endometriosis refer to this as endo belly.
—Sarah Bence, Health, 28 Dec. 2024
There, the balloon’s inflated with either liquid or gas to cause the mechanical distension needed for a continuous sensation of satiety.
—New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Distension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distension. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Benjamin SpockLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share