Dilate

Pronunciation: /daɪˈleɪt/

Definitions of dilate

verb to make or become wider, larger, or more open

Example Sentences

A1 The doctor used eye drops to dilate my pupils.

A2 During childbirth, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through.

B1 The medication caused my blood vessels to dilate, reducing my blood pressure.

B2 The hot weather caused my skin to dilate, making me feel flushed.

C1 The scientist observed how the black hole's event horizon dilates as it absorbs matter.

C2 In extreme conditions, time can dilate according to the theory of relativity.

Examples of dilate in a Sentence

formal The doctor used eye drops to dilate the patient's pupils during the examination.

informal I heard that staring at a bright light can make your pupils dilate.

slang I can't believe how dilated my eyes are after watching that scary movie!

figurative Her heart seemed to dilate with joy when she saw her long-lost friend.

Grammatical Forms of dilate

• past tense: dilated
• plural: dilates
• comparative: more dilated
• superlative: most dilated
• present tense: dilates
• future tense: will dilate
• perfect tense: has dilated
• continuous tense: is dilating
• singular: dilate
• positive degree: dilate
• infinitive: dilate
• gerund: dilating
• participle: dilating

Origin and Evolution of dilate

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'dilate' originated from the Latin word 'dilatare', which is a combination of 'dis-' (apart) and 'latus' (wide).

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 14th century, 'dilate' meant to widen or expand. Over time, the word has evolved to also refer to the act of making something larger or more extensive, especially in a medical or physiological context.