Dilate: meaning, definitions and examples
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dilate
[ daɪˈleɪt ]
medical terminology
To dilate means to make something wider or larger. This term is often used in medical contexts, such as when describing the action of blood vessels expanding to allow increased blood flow. Dilation occurs in various parts of the body, including the pupils of the eyes during low light conditions. The term can also apply to other physical phenomena, such as the expansion of gases. This process is crucial in many biological functions and medical procedures.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The doctor used eyedrops to dilate the patient's pupils.
- During exercise, blood vessels dilate to supply more oxygen.
- The cardiologist noted the dilation of the arteries on the scan.
scientific description
In a broader scientific context, to dilate refers to an increase in the size of an object or substance. This can occur due to various factors, including temperature changes or applied pressure. For example, when a gas heats up, it dilates, taking up more space. Understanding the concept of dilation is important in fields such as physics, engineering, and chemistry.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Gases tend to dilate when heated.
- The balloon will dilate when filled with air.
- Metal structures may dilate under extreme heat.
Translations
Translations of the word "dilate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 dilatar
🇮🇳 फैलाना
🇩🇪 erweitern
🇮🇩 meluaskan
🇺🇦 розширяти
🇵🇱 rozszerzać
🇯🇵 拡張する
🇫🇷 dilater
🇪🇸 dilatar
🇹🇷 genişletmek
🇰🇷 확장하다
🇸🇦 توسيع
🇨🇿 rozšířit
🇸🇰 rozšíriť
🇨🇳 扩张
🇸🇮 razširiti
🇮🇸 víkka
🇰🇿 кеңейту
🇬🇪 გაფართოვება
🇦🇿 genişlətmək
🇲🇽 dilatar
Etymology
The word 'dilate' originates from the Latin 'dilatāre', which means 'to spread out or expand'. This Latin term is a combination of 'dis-', meaning 'apart', and 'latus', meaning 'broad' or 'wide'. The phrase passed into Middle English in the 15th century, retaining its meaning related to the act of making something larger or more expansive. Over the centuries, 'dilate' has become commonly used in both medical and scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility in describing processes that involve expansion or increase in size. The term has also contributed to various derivatives in modern English, including 'dilation', which is frequently used in anatomy and optometry to refer to processes of enlargement in specific contexts. Overall, the history of 'dilate' reflects its ongoing relevance in various professional fields.