dilate
|di-late|
/ˈdaɪ.leɪt/
expanded
Etymology
'dilate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dilatāre', where 'di-' (a variant of 'dis-') meant 'apart' and 'latus' meant 'wide'.
'dilate' changed from Medieval/Latin 'dilatāre' and entered English usage via Late Latin/Old French influence, eventually becoming modern English 'dilate'.
Initially it meant 'to spread out' in a physical sense, but over time it evolved into the current meanings 'to make wider or expand' and, by metaphorical extension, 'to speak at length'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make or become wider, larger, or more open; to cause to expand (physically or figuratively).
The doctor used drops to dilate the patient's pupils for examination.
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Verb 2
to speak or write at length; to elaborate on a subject.
During the meeting he tended to dilate on minor historical details.
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Adjective 1
past-participial adjective: having been made wider or expanded (i.e., 'dilated').
The dilate chamber allowed more air to circulate.
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Last updated: 2025/09/05 21:41