The phrasal verb "become distended" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /bɪˈkʌm dɪsˈtɛndɪd/. The stress is on the second syllable of the word "become" and the first syllable of "distended". The word "distended" is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable and the "st" sound is pronounced as "s" making it /dɪsˈtɛndɪd/. The term "distended" means to expand or swell due to pressure or fluids. It is commonly used to describe the distention of the stomach or abdomen, often caused by overeating or bloating.
When an object or body part is referred to as "become distended," it means that it has undergone a process of becoming swollen, enlarged, or stretched beyond its normal size or capacity. This term is usually used to describe physical objects or anatomical structures that have experienced an abnormal increase in volume, resulting in a notable expansion or bulging appearance.
When something becomes distended, it indicates that it has experienced an accumulation of fluid, gas, or other substances, causing it to enlarge or stretch. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, such as in medical conditions, biological processes, or inanimate objects.
In the medical field, "become distended" may describe the swelling or enlargement of organs or body parts due to excessive fluid buildup or other abnormal conditions. For instance, a bloated stomach due to excessive gas or overeating can be described as becoming distended. Similarly, blood vessels may become distended in conditions like varicose veins, where they appear bulging or swollen.
In nature or biology, plant cells may become distended when they absorb water, causing the cell walls to expand. This process is responsible for creating turgor pressure, which helps plants maintain their shape and rigidity.
In non-living objects, the term may be used to describe the expansion or stretching of materials. For instance, a balloon can become distended when inflated with air or helium, causing it to increase in size, and a distended tire may result from overinflation.
Overall, "become distended" refers to the process of an object or body part enlarging or stretching beyond its normal size or capacity, usually due to the accumulation of fluid, gas, or other substances.
The etymology of the phrase "become distended" can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent words:
1. Become: The word "become" originated from the Old English word "becuman" which literally means "to come to be" or "to happen". It is a combination of "be-" (indicating a change or process) and "cuman" (to come, arrive).
2. Distended: The word "distended" traces back to the Latin word "distendere" which is a combination of "dis-" (indicating a separation or apartness) and "tendere" (to stretch). In this context, "distended" means swollen, bloated or enlarged due to the stretching of a bodily part or organ.
When combined, the phrase "become distended" essentially means to undergo the process of becoming swollen or enlarged due to stretching.