dilate
verb (used with object)
to make wider or larger; cause to expand.
were dilating
-
past progressiveof dilate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
But if the ruler turns his back ere his work is done––” Maximilian’s nostrils were dilating strangely, and the consummate tempter hurried on.
From The Missourian by Eugene P. (Eugene Percy) Lyle
Her eyes were dilating; she put her shaking hand up to her throat, as if she were struggling for breath.
From The Iron Woman by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland
Black hair was flowing to the floor; white teeth were set behind arch tense lips; black eyes were snapping; nostrils were dilating.
From A Daughter of the Vine by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
He was very little, and his eyes were dilating with fright.
From The Iron Woman by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland
It seemed to Jimmy that Alfred's nostrils were dilating.
From Baby Mine by Margaret Mayo
