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

Such a drive would also avoid the uncomfortable consequences of time dilation.

From Singularity Hub 

Yet the technique, which uses a laser scan to generate an image of the retina, captures only about 80 percent of the retinal surface area, so you’ll still need an eye exam that requires dilation in the near future, Herz says.

From Washington Post

This is gravitational time dilation, where time flows more slowly the stronger the gravitational field.

From Nautilus

These molecules tell the brain to increase the dilation of blood vessels, releasing toxic chemicals.

From Science News

During the sessions, participants' brainwaves and pupil dilation were measured.

From Popular-Science

After all, women now use Facebook to share sonogram pictures, breast-feeding tips, and even cervical dilation during labor.

From The Daily Beast

Breadth is the dilation of the heart, length is long-suffering, height is hope, and depth is faith.

From Project Gutenberg

Systole and diastole, the contraction and dilation of the heart and arteries.

From Project Gutenberg

His eyes, wide open, had a ghastly gleam, which the dilation of the pupils rendered all the more hideous.

From Project Gutenberg

They are capable of contraction, of dilation, of partial interpenetration and distortion, but never of dissolution.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked at him in a mighty wonder, her dark eyes open to their widest, and looking black by the extreme dilation of the pupils.

From Project Gutenberg