define: distention
, distension (dis-ten'shÅ­n), Although distension is historically the more correct spelling, the word is usually spelled distention in the U.S. The act or state of being distended or stretched. See also: dilation. [L. dis-tendo, to stretch apart] n a state of dilation. the state of being distended, or stretched out or enlarged; the act of distending. For individual local distentions see the location, e.g. abomasal distention.