Distention

[dɪs'tenʃən]

(noun.) the act of expanding by pressure from within.

Typed by Laverne--From WordNet

(n.) The act of distending; the act of stretching in breadth or in all directions; the state of being Distended; as, the distention of the lungs.

(n.) Breadth; extent or space occupied by the thing distended.

Editor: Rhoda

n. Dilation, enlargement, swelling, expansion, stretching.

Typist: Maxine