EXPAND', v.t. [L. expando; es and pando, to open or spread; Eng. span. The primary sense is to strain or stretch, and this seems to be the sense of bend, L. pandus.] 1. To open; to spread; as, a flower expands its leaves.2. To spread; to enlarge a surface; to diffuse; as, a stream expands its waters over a plain.3. To dilate; to enlarge in bulk; to distend; as, to expand the chest by inspiration; heat expands all bodies; air is expanded by rarefaction.4. To enlarge; to extend; as, to expand the sphere of benevolence; to expand the heart or affections.
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