distender

/dɪsˈtendər/

Definitions

1. noun

A device for stretching the skin of a patient, especially to reduce swelling or to relieve pain

“The doctor used a distender to help reduce the swelling in her patient’s injured knee.”

2. verb

To stretch or extend something, such as the skin of a patient, to its full or normal size

“The nurse had to distend the patient’s skin to administer the injection properly.”

Synonyms

  • expander
  • stretcher

Antonyms

  • compressor
  • reducer