| 释义 |
expansive, a.|ɛkˈspænsɪv|
[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.
1651Davenant Gondibert ii. i. 3 By increase of swift expansive light The lost Horizon was apparent growne. 1728Thomson Spring 28 No more Th' expansive atmosphere is cramp'd with cold. 1805W. Saunders Min. Waters 4 Water is composed..of a fluid expansive ether. 1879R. J. Atcherley Boërland 148, I changed my cartridge for another with an expansive ball. 1884tr. Lotze's Metaph. 96 The heightened temperature..bringing about in the expansive materials the movement of dilatation.
b. Of persons, their affections, utterances, etc.: Freely going out, effusive, open.
1658–9Burton's Diary (1828) IV. 137 It is said our affections..to France have been more expansive. 1858O. W. Holmes Aut. Breakf.-t. x. 98 That ripe and discreet age which invites confidence and expansive utterance. 1884F. Chance in N. & Q. Serv. 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.1656tr. Hobbes' Elem. Philos. (1839) 471 This expansive motion of the air. 1685Boyle Effects of Mot. viii. 103 These stones being lodged in a Cement extremely hard, their expansive endeavour was rendered ineffectual. 1775Johnson Tax. no Tyr. 20 The intumescence of nations would have found its vent like all other expansive violence. 1824R. Stuart Hist. Steam Engine 143 The steam..from its expansive power, will press [etc.]. 1828Carlyle Misc. (1857) I. 199 Impelled by the expansive movement of his own irrepressible soul. 1833N. Arnott Physics (ed. 5) II. i. 95 The liquid..may force a column of mercury to an elevation marking the expansive tendency. 1846Grote Greece I. xvi. (1862) I. 300 The expansive force of Grecian intellect.
b.1744Berkeley Siris §170 Such is the rarefying and expansive force of this element [fire]. 1874Blackie Self-cult. 85 The direct genial expansive virtue of some great moral sun. 1886J. Croll Climate & Cosmol. 253 This internal pressure..acts on the mass of ice as an expansive force.
3. Of or pertaining to expansion. Of an engine, process, etc.: Involving or depending upon the principle of expansion.
1782Specif. of Watt's Patent No. 1321. 4 The said new or expansive engine. 1858Greener Gunnery 33 In the expansive principle of rifles. Ibid. 353 The principles of the expansive rifle. 1888Pall Mall G. 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.
1806T. S. Surr Winter in Lond. I. iv. 64 It was situated..on the borders of an expansive lake. 1813Eustace Tour Italy ix. 204 A more expansive and generous compassion for the fate of cities and states. 1818Jas. Mill Brit. India Pref. 16 If an observer were to take an expansive view of India. 1830D'Israeli Chas. I, III. v. 72 The intellect of Laud was neither expansive nor elevated. 1834T. Medwin Angler in Wales II. 175 He had the character..of being remarkably handsome..his forehead expansive. 1835I. Taylor Spir. Despot. i. 12 That enlightened and expansive charity..which should recommend the Christian profession. 1870Emerson Soc. & Solit. vii. 137 Czar Alexander was more expansive, and wished to call the Pacific my ocean. 1890Standard 10 Mar., We doubt..whether expansive skirts of the old style will ‘catch on’ in America. |