To open; to spread; as, a flower expands its leaves.

To spread; to enlarge a surface; to diffuse; as, a stream expands its waters over a plain.

To dilate; to enlarge in bulk; to distend; as, to expand the chest by inspiration; heat expands all bodies; air is expanded by rarefaction.

To enlarge; to extend; as, to expand the sphere of benevolence; to expand the heart or affections.