expand

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   become larger in size or volume or quantity

   The business expanded rapidly.

2. 2
   verb

   make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity

   expand the house by adding another wing

3. 3
   verb

   extend in one or more directions

   The dough expands

4. 4
   verb

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

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

5. 5
   verb

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

   A flower expands its leaves.

6. 6
   verb

   To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms.

   Use the binomial theorem to expand #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴.

7. 7
   verb

   To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms.

   The expression #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴ expands to x⁴#43;4x³#43;6x²#43;4x#43;1.

8. 8
   verb

   To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same (non-zero) number (which yields a fraction of equal value).

   Expanding 4#47;7 by 3 gives 12#47;21.

Etymology

Recorded in Middle English since 1422 (as expanden, expaunden), from Anglo-Norman espaundre, from Latin expandere (“to spread out”), itself from ex- (“out, outwards”) + pandō (“to spread”). Doublet of spawn.