noun

expansion

ik-SPAN-shuhn/ɪkˈspænʃn/

Growth beyond an earlier size or extent.

Pulling the accordion apart causes expansion of its folded bellows.

A partially unfolded accordion showing bellows extending and opening wide, hands of a Black musician pulling ends apart.

Etymology

exLatinout

+pansLatinto spread, stretch

+ionLatinact or process

“Out” and “spread,” with an action-noun ending, give “a spreading out.” Expansion names that process: something becomes larger or extends beyond its previous limits.

In context

Peoples Dispatch1:28

the expansion bit six new countries have been invited to join

Give The People What They Want! BRICS summit, Updates from Niger

More examples

The company's expansion into new markets creates more jobs.
Heat causes the expansion of air inside the balloon.
The library plans an expansion with two new reading rooms.

Forms

expansion · expansions

expand verb — To become larger or make something larger.

Similar words

growth: Often emphasizes gradual development rather than an added section.
enlargement: Emphasizes increased physical size rather than broader scope or reach.
extension: Often emphasizes added length, duration, or a projecting section.