Dilate

To dilate means to become or cause to become wider, larger, or more open. This process often involves an expansion in size or scope, typically pertaining to a body part or opening, but can also describe the act of expanding upon an idea or subject. The increase in size can occur naturally, in response to a stimulus, or intentionally through a medical procedure or design. The resulting openness or enlargement provides increased capacity or accessibility, whether physical or metaphorical. The act of dilation is important for functions such as vision, blood flow, or creative understanding.

Dilate meaning with examples

• The doctor used special eye drops to dilate the patient's pupils, allowing for a better examination of the retina and other internal structures. The light from the ophthalmoscope would be reflected around the patient's eyes to have a more focused look at the patient's interior eye conditions. This allowed the doctor to properly diagnose and address potential issues more effectively.
• During childbirth, the cervix will gradually dilate to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. This natural process is monitored by medical professionals to ensure that the dilation is progressing at a safe rate. Contractions aid the dilation allowing for the baby to properly descend to the position it needs to be in for a safe delivery.
• The artist's eyes would dilate with excitement as they stared at the beautiful and expansive landscape before them. The colors, the lighting, and the scenery caused his pupils to dilate. He would feel the urge to pick up his paintbrush and try to capture the scene as best as he could.
• The lawyer, when presenting his case, would dilate on the evidence to try to show how the defendant's actions were directly a result of the circumstances the defense was bringing to the attention of the jury. He would try to show how he had built his case from the ground up to show how all the evidence was intertwined.