Dilatation: meaning, definitions and examples

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dilatation

 

[ˌdɪləˈteɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

Dilatation refers to the process of enlargement or expansion of a tubular structure in the body, such as blood vessels, airways, or organs. It can occur naturally, such as during certain biological processes, or may be induced for therapeutic purposes in medical procedures. Dilatation can have significant implications for health, particularly in the context of cardiovascular or respiratory systems.

Synonyms

enlargement, expansion, widening.

Examples of usage

  • The dilatation of the arteries is a crucial response to increased blood flow.
  • Doctors often monitor dilatation in patients with heart conditions.
  • Asthmatics may experience dilatation of airways during an asthma attack.
  • The treatment involved the dilatation of a narrowed blood vessel.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'dilatatio', meaning 'a spreading out or enlargement'.
  • In various contexts, 'dilatation' is often mistaken with 'dilation', though they share similar meanings.
  • The prefix 'di-' means 'twice' or 'double', while 'latio' means 'to carry', suggesting a doubling in size.

Science

  • In medicine, dilatation often refers to the widening of blood vessels or the dilatation of organs like the heart.
  • In physics, it describes how materials expand when heated, which is crucial for understanding thermal expansion.
  • Astronomers observe the dilatation of light as it travels through space, particularly around massive celestial objects.

Symbolism

  • Dilatation can symbolize growth and expansion in personal development, representing how people can broaden their horizons.
  • In literature, it often describes emotional growth, where characters undergo a 'dilatation' of feelings and understanding.
  • Some cultures view the act of dilating (expanding) as a metaphor for embracing life's challenges and opportunities.

Pop Culture

  • In films and books, scenes depicting dilatation are sometimes used to show tension being released, like characters finally letting go.
  • The concept is popular in science fiction, where the dilatation of time and space plays a key role in storytelling, especially in time travel narratives.
  • Artists may use visual metaphors of dilatation, such as a sun rising, to illustrate themes of new beginnings and transformation.

Psychology

  • Dilatation can represent psychological states, like 'expanding' one's comfort zone during therapy or self-improvement efforts.
  • The fear of change can cause emotional constriction, so the idea of dilatation can be interpreted as embracing new experiences.
  • Meditation practices often encourage the concept of mental dilatation, expanding awareness beyond immediate thoughts and feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "dilatation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dilatação

🇮🇳 विस्तार

🇩🇪 Dilatation

🇮🇩 dilatasi

🇺🇦 дилатація

🇵🇱 dylatacja

🇯🇵 膨張

🇫🇷 dilatation

🇪🇸 dilatación

🇹🇷 dilatasyon

🇰🇷 팽창

🇸🇦 توسيع

🇨🇿 dilatace

🇸🇰 dilatácia

🇨🇳 膨胀

🇸🇮 dilatacija

🇮🇸 dilatação

🇰🇿 дилатация

🇬🇪 დილატაცია

🇦🇿 dilatasiya

🇲🇽 dilatación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,058, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.