expand
/ɪkˈspænd/ verb B1- To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open. · You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.
- To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something). · A flower expands its leaves.
- To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
- To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms. · Use the binomial theorem to expand #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴.
- To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms. · The expression #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴ expands to x⁴#43;4x³#43;6x²#43;4x#43;1.
- To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same (non-zero) number (which yields a fraction of equal value). · Expanding 4#47;7 by 3 gives 12#47;21.
- To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size. · Many materials expand when heated.· This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table.
- To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.
Plural expand · He/she/it expands · Past expanded · Past participle expanded · -ing form expanding
Verb forms
- Base form
- expand
- He/she/it
- expands
- Past
- expanded
- Past participle
- expanded
- -ing form
- expanding
From the library
I like a favorable reception; it expands the countenance, and those around me do not then appear so ugly.
“The man that the whole force has been seeking in vain—Colonel Sebastian Moran, who shot the Honourable Ronald Adair with an expanding bullet from an air-gun through the open window of the second-floor front of No.
After a second, a slight cloud of smoke was seen at the stern of the vessel, which rose gracefully as it expanded in the air, and then Franz heard a slight report.
Noirtier made such an effort that his lips expanded into a smile.
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