ex·pand
(ĭk-spănd́)
[Middle English expanden, to spread out, from Latin expandere, ex-, ex-, + pandere, to spread.]
verb: -pand·ed, -pand·ing, -pands.
transitive verb
- To increase the size, volume, quantity, or scope of; enlarge: expanded her store by adding a second room. See synonyms at increase
- To express at length or in detail; enlarge on: expanded his remarks afterward.
- To open (something) up or out; spread out: The bird expanded its wings and flew off.
- Mathematics To write (a quantity) as a sum of terms in an extended form.
intransitive verb
- To become greater in size, volume, quantity, or scope: Air expands when heated. This critic's influence is expanding.
- To speak or write at length or in detail: expand on a favorite topic.
- To open up or out; unfold: The chair expands to form a day bed.
- To feel expansive.
derivatives
- ex·pand́a·ble
- adjective
- ex·pand́er
- noun
