What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dilatation
Example
The doctor recommended dilatation of the patient's esophagus to treat the narrowing. [dilatation: noun]
Example
The nurse monitored the dilatation of the patient's cervix during labor. [dilatation: noun]
distension
Example
The patient complained of abdominal distension after eating a large meal. [distension: noun]
Example
The doctor noted distension of the patient's bladder on the ultrasound. [distension: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distension is more commonly used than dilatation in everyday language, especially in the context of medical conditions or symptoms. Dilatation is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts, particularly to describe medical procedures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dilatation and distension?
Dilatation and distension are both formal words that are commonly used in medical or scientific contexts. However, distension may be considered less formal due to its association with discomfort or medical conditions.
