dilation

[ dahy-ley-shuhn, dih- ]

noun

1. the act of dilating; state of being dilated.
2. dilatation.

dilation

/ dī-lā′shən,dĭ- /

1. The widening or stretching of an opening or a hollow structure in the body.

Other Words From

• nondi·lation noun
• over·di·lation noun
• self-di·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilation¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; dilate + -ion

Example Sentences

Crain couldn’t sign consent forms for her care because of “extreme pain,” according to the records, so Fails signed a release for “unplanned dilation and curettage” or “unplanned cesarean section.”

From Salon

In a state that hadn’t banned abortion, Barnica could have immediately been offered the options that major medical organizations, including international ones, say is the standard of evidence-based care: speeding up labor with medication or a dilation and evacuation procedure to empty the uterus.

From Salon

Abortion also featured prominently in the debate with Walz sharing the story of Amber Thurman, who died tragically while awaiting a dilation and curettage procedure.

From Salon

She developed a serious infection and went to the hospital, where physicians would ordinarily have performed a dilation and curettage to remove the remaining tissue.

From Slate

Miller ordered abortion pills online, but she did not expel all the fetal tissue and would need a dilation and curettage procedure to clear it from her uterus and stave off sepsis, a grave and painful infection.

From Salon