A new word: expand

expand, verb, /ɪk'spænd/

1

to become larger in size, number, or amount, or to make something become larger → expansion OPP contract.

Water expands as it freezes.

Sydney’s population expanded rapidly in the 1960s.

exercises that expand the chest muscles.

his expanding waistline.

2

if a company, business etc expands, or if someone expands it, they open new shops, factories etc → expansion.

The computer industry has expanded greatly over the last decade.

The hotel wants to expand its business by adding a swimming pool.

the rapidly expanding field of information technology.

expand into

We have plans to expand into the U.S. market.

3

to become more confident and start to talk more.

After a few whiskies he started to expand a little.

4 expand on/upon something (phrasal verb)    

to add more details or information to something that you have already said.

Payne later expanded on his initial statement.

expansion, noun, /ɪkˈspænʃn/

1

when something increases in size, range, amount etc SYN  growth → expand.

expansion of

The rapid expansion of cities can cause social and economic problems.

expansion in

an expansion in student numbers.

2

when a company, business etc becomes larger by opening new shops, factories etc → expand.

The industry underwent a period of rapid expansion.

3

an idea, story etc that is based on one that is simpler or more general.

The novel is an expansion of a short story he wrote about forty years ago.

expanse, noun, /ɪk'spæns/

a very large area of water, sky, land etc.

expanse of

an expanse of blue sky.

vast/wide/large etc expanse

the vast expanse of the ocean.