ˌdiləˈtāshən, ˌdīl- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English dilatacioun, from Middle French dilatation enlargement, from Late Latin dilatation-, dilatatio, from Latin dilatatus (past participle of dilatare to dilate) + -ion-, -io, -ion
1. : amplification in writing or speech especially by the addition of discussion, illustration, or detail
2.
a. : the condition of being stretched beyond normal dimensions especially as a result of overwork or disease
dilatation of the heart
or of abnormal relaxation
dilatation of the stomach
b. : dilation 2
3. : the act of expanding or the state of being expanded : enlarging or spreading
4. : a dilated part or formation
5.
a. : a change in volume of a rock body under confining pressure
an increase in volume is positive dilatation and a decrease is negative dilatation
b. : the strain produced by such pressure change
• dil·a·ta·tion·al | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷shən ə l, -shnəl adjective