/ daɪˈleɪt; NAmE / verb
to become or to make sth larger, wider or more open :
[ v ]
Her eyes dilated with fear.
[ vn ]
dilated pupils / nostrils
Red wine can help to dilate blood vessels.
OPP contract
► dila·tion / daɪˈleɪʃn; NAmE / noun [ U , C ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French dilater , from Latin dilatare spread out, from di- apart + latus wide.