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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Expand \Ex*pand"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Expanded}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Expanding}.] [L. expandere, expansum; ex out pandere to
spread out, to throw open; perh. akin to E. patent. Cf.
{Spawn}.]
1. To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to
diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.
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Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.
--Milton.
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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
{contract}; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all
bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence.
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3. (Math.) To state in enlarged form; to develop; as, to
expand an equation. See {Expansion}, 5.
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Expanding \Ex*pand"ing\, a.
That expands, or may be expanded; extending; spreading;
enlarging.
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{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.
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