dilate

[dīˈlāt]

dilate Definition

  • 1make or become wider, larger, or more open.
  • 2enlarge or expand in size, volume, or quantity.
  • 3speak or write at length on (a subject).

Using dilate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dilate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The pupils of her eyes dilated in the dark.

  • Example

    The blood vessels in his face dilated with anger.

  • Example

    The drug dilates the blood vessels.

  • Example

    She dilated on the subject for hours.

dilate Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for dilate

Phrases with dilate

  • dilate on/upon

    to speak or write at length about something

    Example

    He dilated upon the subject of taxes for hours.

  • dilate one's pupils

    to cause the pupils of one's eyes to become larger

    Example

    The doctor used a bright light to dilate my pupils during the eye exam.

  • dilate blood vessels

    to cause the blood vessels to become wider

    Example

    The medication dilates blood vessels and improves circulation.

Origins of dilate

from Latin 'dilatare', from 'dis-' (apart) + 'latus' (wide)

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Summary: dilate in Brief

The verb 'dilate' [dīˈlāt] means to make or become wider, larger, or more open. It can refer to physical changes such as the dilation of pupils or blood vessels, or to speaking or writing at length on a subject. Examples include 'The drug dilates the blood vessels' and 'She dilated on the subject for hours.'