dilation

[dahy-ley-shuhn, dih-]

noun

1. the act of dilating; state of being dilated.

2. dilatation.

dilation

1. The widening or stretching of an opening or a hollow structure in the body.

Other Word Forms

• nondilation noun
• overdilation noun
• self-dilation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilation¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; dilate + -ion

Example Sentences

Caffeine has a time dilation on it so it could be hours that I’m in there or 30 minutes.

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According to the complaint, the patient reported to Brock’s office in September 2018 for a dilation and curettage to remove remaining tissues from her uterus.

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Time dilation is a common experience of societies and individuals experiencing great stress.

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“You need a D&C,” she told them, referring to dilation and curettage, a common procedure for first-trimester miscarriages and abortions.

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Crain couldn’t sign consent forms for her care because of “extreme pain,” according to the records, so Fails signed a release for “unplanned dilation and curettage” or “unplanned cesarean section.”

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