1. To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves. Then with expanded wings he steers his flight. Milton.
2. 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 Ant: contract; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence.
3. (Math.)
Defn: To state in enlarged form; to develop; as, to expand an equation. See Expansion, 5.
EXPAND
Ex*pand", v. i.
Defn: 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. Dryden.
EXPANDER
Ex*pand"er, n.
Defn: Anything which causes expansion esp. (Mech.) a tool for stretching open or expanding a tube, etc.
EXPANDING
Ex*pand"ing, a.
Defn: That expands, or may be expanded; extending; spreading; enlarging. Expanding bit, Expanding drill (Mech.), a bit or drill made adjustable for holes of various sizes; one which can be expanded in diameter while boring. — Expanding pulley (Mach.), a pulley so made, as in sections, that its diameter can be increased or diminished.