distensible

adjective

dis·​ten·​si·​ble di-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl 

: capable of being distended

distensibility

di-ˌsten(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The cardia lies about 40 cm from the teeth and the sword straightens the flexible and distensible oesophagus. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2014

For example, the angler fish developed such a freakishly large jaw and a distensible stomach because the fish needs to take advantage of every prey opportunity available because food is scarce so far below sea level, according to The New York Times. —Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, 30 July 2019

Word History

Etymology

distens- (from Latin distensus, past participle of distendere) + -ible

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

distensible

adjective

dis·​ten·​si·​ble -ˈten(t)-sə-bəl 

: capable of being distended, extended, or dilated

distensible blood vessels

distensibility

-ˌten(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural distensibilities