distant, distend

Distant or distant means far away, literally or figuratively--
He dreams of travelling to distant countries.
It's a distant memory now.

Distant may also mean remote in time, in relation to something or someone, or emotionally--
We can visit the distant past by going to the museum.
He finished the race a distant third.
He's a distant relation; we've only met a few times.
He seems distant, but he says nothing's wrong.

Distend or distend means to expand or swell--
If the puppy has worms, its stomach will distend; you'll notice it.
The stomach may distend from overeating, but it will return to normal.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"When he's angry his eyes flash and his nostrils distend, though he may seem distant."

Note--"distance" is the noun ( thing or idea ) form of "distant". "Distance" means the extent of space between two things, literally or figuratively--
We should be able to cover the distance in two hours.
"Distance" may also mean to set far away, literally or figuratively--
You have to learn to distance yourself; don't get emotionally involved.

Note # 2--"distends" is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "distend", meaning to expand or swell--
His stomach distends when he overeats.