Definition of: expansion

(ik·span′shən) noun
1. The act of expanding, in any sense.
2. The condition or state of being expanded.
3. The amount of increase in size, scope, or the like.
4. That which is expanded; an expanded continuation or result; an extended surface; an expanded part; an enlargement.
5. The extent or space over or through which a thing expands; hence, extent in general; unlimited space; expanse; immensity.
6. Physics Increase of volume, as of steam in an engine cylinder when cut off from connection with the supply of pressure, or of the exploding gas in an internal-combustion engine.
7. Math. Development of a mathematical function into a series; also, the full expression as developed: the expansion of (a + b)³ into a³ + 3a²b + 3ab²+ b³.