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dilate

English → EnglishformaltechnicalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "dilate": To dilate means to make something wider, larger, or more open. Imagine the pupils of your eyes expan

What does "dilate" mean?

To dilate means to make something wider, larger, or more open. Imagine the pupils of your eyes expanding when you walk from a bright room into a dark one, or a blood vessel stretching to allow more flow; the core image is a controlled opening or an outward expansion. In common usage, it is most frequently encountered in medical or biological contexts, such as an eye doctor dilating your pupils or a medical professional monitoring the dilation of a cervix. While it can be used metaphorically for expanding on a topic, it is typically reserved for physical states of enlargement.

"dilate" in conversation

At the optometrist

I am going to put these drops in to dilate your pupils.

I am going to put these drops in to dilate your pupils.

Will it be hard to see afterwards?

Will it be hard to see afterwards?

Used here in a clinical, physiological sense.

Discussing a project

Could you dilate on your proposal for the new office layout?

Could you dilate on your proposal for the new office layout?

Sure, I have the diagrams right here.

Sure, I have the diagrams right here.

Used here in the slightly archaic sense of 'to speak at length' or 'elaborate'.

"dilate" in a sentence

  1. The darkness caused her pupils to dilate.

    The darkness caused her pupils to dilate.

  2. The medication is designed to dilate the blood vessels and improve circulation.

    The medication is designed to dilate the blood vessels and improve circulation.

  3. He began to dilate upon the history of the region for nearly an hour.

    He began to dilate upon the history of the region for nearly an hour.

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