Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dilated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘๏ธ
Add to dictionary

dilated

[daษชหˆleษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Dilated refers to a state where an opening or passage is enlarged or expanded. In a medical context, it often describes blood vessels or pupils that have become larger than normal.

Synonyms

enlarged, expanded, stretched.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor noted that her pupils were dilated in the dim light.
  • Dilated blood vessels can lead to increased blood flow.
  • During the examination, the dilated veins were a concern.
  • The patient experienced discomfort due to dilated arteries.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Science

  • In medicine, when a doctor says pupils are dilated, it means the dark part of the eye has opened wider to let in more light.
  • Blood vessels can also dilate, which helps increase blood flow to certain areas in the body.
  • Dilated veins are often a sign that a person is experiencing increased pressure or stress within the blood system.

Psychology

  • Dilated pupils can indicate a response to emotional arousal, such as excitement or fear, because they are connected to the body's fight-or-flight system.
  • During moments of surprise or attraction, a person's pupils may dilate, which can unconsciously influence social interactions.
  • Research has shown that people may perceive others with dilated pupils as more attractive or more friendly.

Language and Culture

  • In poetry and literature, the term 'dilated' can be used metaphorically to describe expansive emotions or thoughts.
  • The word has Latin roots in 'dilatare,' meaning to spread out or enlarge, which has influenced its usage in various languages.
  • Cultural expressions related to opening up or expanding thoughts often use the word 'dilated' to evoke imagery of growth.

Art and Expression

  • In visual art, expressions of dilation can be depicted using shapes that expand outwards, symbolizing growth or emotion.
  • Artists might create works that explore themes of perception, where dilated elements could represent deeper awareness or awakening.
  • In performance art, the concept of dilatation can be shown through a character's physical expansion in movement, representing their emotional state.

Technology

  • In photography, dilated apertures allow more light into the camera, affecting the depth of field and overall image quality.
  • In software development, dilated can refer to expanding data sets or algorithms that handle larger chunks of information at once.
  • Optical devices use lenses that dilate viewports to enhance visibility and control light exposure.

Origin of 'dilated'

The word 'dilated' comes from the Latin term 'dilatatus', which is the past participle of 'dilatare', meaning 'to spread out, expand'. This term combines the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'latare' (meaning 'to carry'). The usage of 'dilated' began to emerge in the English language during the late 19th century, particularly within medical texts and discussions. Over time, it has been adopted in various fields such as anatomy, pharmacology, and even in everyday language to describe various types of expansion or enlargement in non-medical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,764, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.