dilative

[ dahy-ley-tiv, dih-, dahy-ley- ]

adjective

1. serving or tending to dilate.

Other Words From

• undi·lative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilative¹

First recorded in 1520–30; dilate + -ive

Example Sentences

There is a pleasant dilative sensation in receiving a message on board a steamer, especially when the messenger has to seek you among the Salon passengers.

From Project Gutenberg

In like manner, sulphur represents the active and passive principle of fire: the contractive force, or negative electricity—oxygen—produces flame; and the dilative force, or positive electricity—hydrogen—produces warmth.

From Project Gutenberg