I. (ˈ)dī|lāt, də̇ˈl-, ÷ |dīə|l-; usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English dilaten, from Middle French dilater to enlarge, comment at length, from Latin dilatare to enlarge, spread out, from di- (from dis- apart) + -latare (from latus wide) — more at dis- , latitude
transitive verb
1. archaic : to describe or set forth lengthily or in detail
dilate at full what hath befallen of them and thee till now — Shakespeare
2. obsolete : to extend or diffuse through a wide space
3.
a. : to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent
matter is dilated by heat
: widen , extend
enrich and dilate our cultural heritage
b. : to widen or cause to be stretched (a contracted duct or part)
intransitive verb
1. : to comment at length : expand discussion : discourse — usually used with on or upon
he dilates on themes of love and death
2. : to expand or become wide : swell
the pupil of the eye is able to dilate and contract
Synonyms: see discourse , expand
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English dilat, from dilaten, v., after such pairs as Middle English desolaten to desolate: desolat desolate
: dilated : expanded