expand

[ik-spand] /ɪkˈspænd/
verb (used with object)
1.
to increase in extent, size, volume, scope, etc.:
Heat expands most metals. He hopes to expand his company.
2.
to spread or stretch out; unfold:
A bird expands its wings.
3.
to express in fuller form or greater detail; develop:
to expand a short story into a novel.
4.
Mathematics.
  1. to write (a mathematical expression) so as to show the products of its factors.
    Compare factor (def 10).
  2. to rewrite (a mathematical expression) as a sum, product, etc., of terms of a particular kind:
    to expand a function in a power series.
verb (used without object)
5.
to increase or grow in extent, bulk, scope, etc.:
Most metals expand with heat. The mind expands with experience.
6.
to spread out; unfold; develop:
The buds had not yet expanded.
7.
to express something more fully or in greater detail (usually followed by on or upon):
to expand on a statement.
Origin
1400-50; late Middle English expanden < Latin expandere to spread out, equivalent to ex- ex-1 + pandere to extend, stretch
Related forms
expandable, expandible, adjective
expandability, expandibility, noun
nonexpanding, adjective
overexpand, verb
preexpand, verb (used with object)
reexpand, verb
self-expanding, adjective
superexpand, verb
unexpandable, adjective
unexpanding, adjective
Can be confused
expand, expend (see synonym study at the current entry)
Synonyms
1. extend, swell, enlarge. See increase, Expand, dilate, distend, inflate imply becoming larger and filling more space. To expand is to spread out, usually in every direction: to expand one's chest. To dilate is especially to increase the width or circumference, and applies to space enclosed within confines or to hollow bodies: to dilate the pupils of the eyes. To distend is to stretch, often beyond the point of natural expansion: to distend an artery. To inflate is to blow out or swell a hollow body with air or gas: to inflate a balloon.
Examples from the web for expand
  • Instead, they said they tended to hire more workers or expand when the economy improved.
  • Some colleges use computer simulations to expand science offerings online.
  • Finance cannot expand well ahead of economic realities without getting itself into significant trouble.
  • The theory that universe will expand to a point then begin to contract is fundamentally flawed.
  • There ought to be a medium beyond the limits of the universe into which it can expand.
  • The bag's side snaps expand as you collect souvenirs on your travels.
  • Researchers looking to expand our knowledge of viruses should dip into some raw sewage.
  • Thanks for the effort you took to expand upon this topic so thoroughly.
  • The military will use many of the same rockets, and could also expand its brand-new fleet of small, robotic space planes.
  • With worldwide control of its brands, the company will try to expand abroad, especially through franchises.
British Dictionary definitions for expand

expand

/ɪkˈspænd/
verb
1.
to make or become greater in extent, volume, size, or scope; increase
2.
to spread out or be spread out; unfold; stretch out
3.
(intransitive) often foll by on. to enlarge or expatiate on (a story, topic, etc) in detail
4.
(intransitive) to become increasingly relaxed, friendly, or talkative
5.
(maths) to express (a function or expression) as the sum or product of terms
Derived Forms
expandable, adjective
Word Origin
C15: from Latin expandere to spread out, from pandere to spread, extend
Word Origin and History for expand
v

early 15c., "spread out, spread flat," from Anglo-French espaundre, Middle French espandre and directly from Latin expandere "to spread out, unfold, expand," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + pandere "to spread, stretch" (see pace (n.)). Sense of "grow larger" first recorded 1640s. Related: Expanded; expanding.