• IPA: /ɛkˈspænd/

expand (expands, present participle expanding; past and past participle expanded)

1. (transitive) To change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.

   You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table.

2. (transitive) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).

   A flower expands its leaves.

   • 1667, John Milton, “Book 1”, in Paradise Lost. A Poem Written in Ten Books, London: Printed [by Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […] [a]nd by Robert Boulter […] [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], OCLC 228722708 ↗; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: The Text Exactly Reproduced from the First Edition of 1667: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, OCLC 230729554 ↗:

     Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.

3. (transitive) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
4. (transitive, algebra) To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

   Use the binomial theorem to expand {(x+1)}^4.

5. (intransitive, algebra, of an expression) To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

   The expression {(x+1)}^4 expands to x^4 + 4x^3 + 6x^2 + 4x + 1.

6. (transitive, arithmetic) To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value
7. (intransitive) To change from a smaller form/size to a larger one.

   Many materials expand when heated.

   This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table.

8. (intransitive) To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.
9. (intransitive) To speak or write at length or in detail.

   He expanded on his plans for the business.

10. (intransitive) To feel generous or optimistic.

• (to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one) open out, spread, spread out, unfold
• (to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of) enlarge
• (to express at length or in detail) elaborate (on), expand on

• (to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one) contract
• (to increase the extent, number, volume or scope of) contract
• (algebra: to rewrite as an equivalent sum of terms) factor

• expanse
• expansible
• expansile
• expansive
• expansion
• expansionism

• French: agrandir
• German: expandieren, vergrößern
• Russian: растя́гивать
• Spanish: ampliar

• German: vergrößern
• Russian: увели́чивать

• Russian: излага́ть де́ло в подробность

• Russian: растя́гиваться

• Russian: увели́чиваться

• French: élaborer

• Russian: раскрыва́ться