dilate
verb (used with object)
to make wider or larger; cause to expand.
dilated
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past participleof dilate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof dilate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
dilateverb (used with object)to make wider or larger; cause to expand.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And if the aorta is dilated a certain amount, patients often undergo an elective surgery to fix it.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026
Rhys Llewellyn, 40, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy as a baby after struggling with breathing and putting on weight.
From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026
In a dark room, a doctor pointed to an hourglass shape glowing on the ultrasound screen: There was her amniotic sac, funneling into her dilated cervix, and there was their tiny daughter’s foot, dipping out.
From Salon ● May 27, 2026
About 35 minutes in, Lamphere’s vitals started spiking; her heart rate quickened, she grew hot, her pupils dilated, she began grinding her teeth.
From Slate ● Jan. 30, 2026
As the tan and white fur grew closer, Ignatius’ eyes dilated, crossed, and closed, and he lay wanly back among his four pillows, hoping that he had some Kleenex in his room.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
