Dilation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/daɪˈleɪʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of becoming larger or more widespread; the state of being dilated.

Examples

• The doctor monitored the dilation of the patient’s pupils during the examination.
• The company’s market share underwent a significant dilation after the successful product launch.

Synonyms

• Expansion
• Enlargement

Antonyms

• Contraction
• Reduction

Additional Information

In medicine, dilation can refer to the widening of a body passage or organ, such as the dilation of the pupils or the cervix during childbirth. In astronomy, dilation refers to the apparent increase in size of an object as it approaches the observer.

In business and economics, dilation can refer to the expansion of a company’s market share, customer base, or product offerings. In general, dilation implies an increase in size, scope, or magnitude.

Etymology

The word “dilation” comes from the Latin “dilatere”, meaning “to spread wide” or “to enlarge”. The term has been in use since the 15th century, initially in medical contexts, and later expanding to other fields.

Usage Notes

When using “dilation” in medical contexts, it’s essential to specify the type of dilation, such as pupil dilation or cervical dilation, to avoid ambiguity. In non-medical contexts, dilation can be used more broadly to describe any expansion or increase in size.

Cultural References

Dilation has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey”, where a character’s pupils undergo dilation during an alien encounter.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

One idiomatic expression that includes “dilation” is “dilate on”, meaning to expand or elaborate on a topic.

Related Words or Phrases

• Enlarge
• Broaden
• Widen

Collocations

• dilation of the pupils
• market share dilation
• astronomical dilation

Frequency of Use

Dilation is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but its usage is increasing in medical and scientific contexts.

Common Misspellings

• dilliation
• dilatation
• delation