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DictionarystretchLengthening
verb / noun

stretch

STRETCH/stretʃ/

Extension in length through pulling.

The rubber band stretches as she pulls its ends apart.

Hands stretch a soft elastic band longer, clear extension without strain injury.
Etymology
stretchOld Englishto draw out, extend

Old English streccan already covered both drawing something out to full length and extending in space. The modern sense preserves this connection between making something longer and increasing its reach.

In context

Utah Neuro Rehabilitation0:44
spasticity causes tight muscles this shows up as greater resistance when you try to stretch the muscle
What is Spasticity?

More examples

  • Gently stretch the dough before adding the toppings.
  • A gentle stretch helps loosen my tight calf muscles.
  • We stretch our grocery budget by planning meals ahead.

Forms

stretch · stretches · stretched · stretching

stretchy adjective — Easily lengthened or widened by pulling.

Similar words

elongate
Emphasizes increased length, without necessarily involving any pulling.
extend
Means making longer or reaching farther, not necessarily by pulling.