Expand

·vt To state in enlarged form; to Develop; as, to expand an equation. ·see Expansion, 5.

II. Expand ·vt To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to Diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.

III. Expand ·vi To become widely opened, spread apart, dilated, distended, or enlarged; as, flowers expand in the spring; metals expand by heat; the heart expands with joy.

IV. Expand ·vt To cause the particles or parts of to spread themselves or stand apart, thus increasing bulk without addition of substance; to make to occupy more space; to Dilate; to Distend; to extend every way; to Enlarge;

— opposed to contract; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence.