DISTENTION Meaning and
Definition
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Distention refers to the process or condition of being distended or expanded, particularly in relation to a bodily organ or a hollow structure. It is derived from the Latin word "distentio," which means stretching or widening.
In the medical field, distention often describes the abnormal enlargement or swelling of an organ or tissue due to excessive accumulation of fluid, gas, or solids. This abnormal swelling can cause discomfort or pain depending on the affected area. Distention is commonly observed in various organs such as the abdomen, bladder, intestines, stomach, and blood vessels.
Abdominal distention, for instance, refers to the swelling or bloating of the belly, usually caused by excess gas, fluid, or fecal matter in the intestines. This condition can result in tightness, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness.
Distention can also be used to describe the process of artificially expanding certain organs or structures for medical purposes. For example, in endoscopy, the distention of the gastrointestinal tract is essential to allow for better visualization during the examination.
Overall, distention refers to the abnormal or intentional expansion of a bodily organ or structure, with its significance varying depending on the context. It plays a crucial role in the medical field, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions and disorders.
Top Common Misspellings for DISTENTION *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DISTENTION
Etymology of DISTENTION
The word "distention" can be traced back to the Latin word "distentio", which derives from the verb "distendere". "Distendere" is a combination of "dis", meaning "apart" or "away", and "tendere", meaning "to stretch". Therefore, "distentio" refers to the action of stretching or expanding something apart. Over time, this Latin term evolved into the Old French word "distension" and was eventually adopted into English as "distention". The word "distention" continues to represent the act or state of being stretched, swollen, or bloated.
Similar spelling words for DISTENTION
- dissident,
- distinct,
- distend,
- distensible,
- distension,
- Distended,
- detention,
- distant,
- distinction,
- distinctness,
- dictionary,
- distemper,
- dissidence,
- distinctly.
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