v., -tend·ed, -tend·ing, -tends. v.tr.
- To open or straighten (something) out; unbend: extended the legs of the folding table.
- To stretch or spread (something) out to greater or fullest length: extended the radio antenna.
- To exert (oneself) vigorously or to full capacity: Few mountain climbers have extended themselves as those two have.
- To cause to move at full gallop. Used of a horse.
- To increase in quantity or bulk by adding a cheaper substance: used rice or pasta to extend leftover casseroles.
- To adulterate.
- To enlarge the area, scope, or range of.
- To expand the influence of.
- To make more comprehensive or inclusive. See synonyms at increase.
- To offer: extend one's greetings.
- To make available; provide: extend credit to qualified purchasers.
- To cause (something) to be or last longer: extended our visit by a day.
- To prolong the time allowed for payment of: extend a loan for three more months.
- Chiefly British.
- To appraise or assess; value.
- To seize or make a levy on for the purpose of settling a debt.
To be or become long, large, or comprehensive: influence that extended to other continents; table legs that extend by unscrewing.
[Middle English extenden, from Old French extendre, from Latin extendere : ex-, ex- + tendere, to stretch.]
extendibility ex·tend'i·bil'i·ty n.extendable ex·tend'a·ble or ex·tend'i·ble adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
