dilate
[ dahy-leyt, di-, dahy-leyt ]
/ daɪˈleɪt, dɪ-, ˈdaɪ leɪt /
verb (used with object), di·lat·ed, di·lat·ing.
to make wider or larger; cause to expand.
Archaic. to describe or develop at length.
verb (used without object), di·lat·ed, di·lat·ing.
to spread out; expand.
to speak or write at length; expatiate (often followed by on or upon).
Nearby words
Origin of dilate
1350–1400; Middle English dilaten < Middle French dilater, Latin dīlātāre to spread out, equivalent to dī- di-2 + lāt(us) broad + -āre infinitive suffix
Related forms
Can be confused
dilate diluteDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for dilate
British Dictionary definitions for dilate
dilate
/ (daɪˈleɪt, dɪ-) /
verb
to expand or cause to expand; make or become wider or largerthe pupil of the eye dilates in the dark
(intr; often foll by on or upon) to speak or write at length; expand or enlarge
Derived Forms
Word Origin for dilate
C14: from Latin dīlātāre to spread out, amplify, from dis- apart + lātus wide
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for dilate
dilate
[ dī-lāt′, dī′lāt′ ]
v.
To make or become wider or larger.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.