a. [f. L. expāns- ppl. stem of expandĕre to EXPAND + -IVE.]
1. Tending or adapted to expand in volume, to spread over a larger surface, or fill a larger space; having the capacity to expand or develop to larger dimensions; dilatable. Said both of material and immaterial objects.
1651. Davenant, Gondibert, II. I. iii. 102. By increase of swift expansive light The lost Horizon was apparent growne.
1728. Thomson, Spring, 28. No more Th’ expansive atmosphere is cramp’d with cold.
1805. W. Saunders, Min. Waters, 4. Hoffman observes, that ‘water is composed … of a fluid expansive ether.’
1879. Atcherley, Trip Boërland, 148. I changed my cartridge for another with an expansive ball.
1884. trans. Lotze’s Metaph., 96. The heightened temperature operates in bringing about in the expansive materials the movement of dilatation.
b. Of persons, their affections, utterances, etc.: Freely going out, effusive, open.
1658–9. Burton’s Diary (1828), IV. 137. It is said our affections … to France have been more expansive.
1858. O. W. Holmes, Aut. Breakf.-t., x. 287. That ripe and discreet age which invites confidence and expansive utterance.
1884. F. Chance, in N. & Q., Ser. VI. X. 397/1. We English are not an expansive people.
2. Of a force, a movement or tendency: Acting in the direction of expansion; directed towards expansion: a. within the object or substance itself; b. in some other object.
a. 1656. trans. Hobbes’ Elem. Philos. (1839), 471. This expansive motion of the air.
1685. Boyle, Effects of Mot., viii. 103. These stones being lodged in a Cement extremely hard, their expansive endeavour was rendered ineffectual.
1775. Johnson, Tax. no Tyr., 20. The intumescence of nations would have found its vent like all other expansive violence.
1824. ‘R. Stuart,’ Hist. Steam Engine, 143. The steam … from its expansive power, will press [etc.].
1828. Carlyle, Misc. (1857), I. 199. Impelled by the expansive movement of his [Burns’] own irrepressible soul.
1833. N. Arnott, Physics (ed. 5), II. I. 95. The liquid … may force a column of mercury to an elevation marking the expansive tendency.
1846. Grote, Greece, I. xvi. (1862), I. 300. The expansive force of Grecian intellect.
1744. Berkeley, Siris, § 170. 78. Such is the rarefying and expansive force of this element [fire].
1874. Blackie, Self-Cult., 85. The direct genial expansive virtue of some great moral sun.
1886. Croll, Climate & Cosmol., 253. This internal pressure … acts on the mass of the ice as an expansive force.
3. Of or pertaining to expansion. Of an engine, process, etc.: Involving or depending upon the principle of expansion.
1782. Specif. of Watt’s Patent No. 1321. 4. The said new or expansive engine.
1858. Greener, Gunnery, 33. In the expansive principle of rifles. Ibid., 353. The principles of the expansive rifle.
1888. Pall Mall Gaz., 6 Nov., 8/1. These messages were printed exactly as he sent them, and did not undergo any ‘expansive’ process.
4. a. Of material things: Expanding over or occupying a large surface or space; having wide bounds, broad, extensive. b. Of immaterial things (e.g., thoughts, designs, sympathies): Having a wide range; comprehensive.
1806. T. Surr, Winter in Lond., I. iv. 64. It was situated … on the borders of an expansive lake.
1813. Eustace, Tour Italy, ix. 204. A more expansive and generous compassion for the fate of cities and states.
1818. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, Pref. 16. If an observer were to take an expansive view of India.
1830. D’Israeli, Charles I., III. v. 72. The intellect of Laud was neither expansive nor elevated.
1834. Medwin, Angler in Wales, II. 175. He [Byron] had the character … of being remarkably handsome;… his forehead expansive.
1835. I. Taylor, Spir. Despot., i. 12. That enlightened and expansive charity … which should recommend the Christian profession.
1870. Emerson, Soc. & Solit., vii. 137. Czar Alexander was more expansive, and wished to call the Pacific my ocean.
1890. Standard, 10 March, 5/1. We doubt … whether expansive skirts of the old style will ‘catch on’ … in America.
