expand
AI In plain words
Writing a short explanation…
Written by a house AI from the entry below, in your language. The entry itself is the source.
expand
- /ɪkˈspænd/
- /ɛkˈspænd/
Rhymes with -ænd
Where it comes from
Recorded in Middle English since 1422 (as expanden, expaunden), from Anglo-Norman espaundre, from Latin expandō (“to spread out”), itself from ex- (“out, outwards”) + pandō (“to spread”). Doublet of spawn.
verb expands · expanding · expanded · expand
- 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.
- To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something). A flower expands its leaves.
- To express (something) at length and/or in detail.
- To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent, sum of terms. Use the binomial theorem to expand #123;(x#43;1)#125;⁴.
- 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.
- 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.
- To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size. Many materials expand when heated.
- To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.
- To speak or write at length or in detail. He expanded on his plans for the business.
- To feel generous or optimistic.
- In a hierarchical list (such as a directory tree or table of contents), to show the subentries of (an entry).
