dilatation

noun

di·​la·​ta·​tion ˌdi-lə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce dilatation (audio)
ˌdī-
plural dilatations
1
a
: the state of being expanded or widened
specifically : the condition of being stretched or enlarged beyond normal dimensions especially as a result of overwork, disease, or abnormal relaxation
dilatation of the heart
Probably one of the most prevalent conditions in sighthounds is dilatation of the stomach … Asa Mays
Pulmonary vascular dilatation contributes to hypoxemia … Elizabeth Dean
b
: the act or action of stretching, widening, or enlarging an organ or part of the body : dilation sense b
… balloon dilatation of the affected tubal wall …Edmond Confino et al.
c
: a dilated or enlarged part or formation
intestinal dilatations
2
archaic : amplification in writing or speech
"… And then he went on in a dilatation on the dumbness of Nature during the season's suspension and torpidity."Cowden Clarke
dilatational
ˌdi-lə-ˈtā-shnəl How to pronounce dilatation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
ˌdī-
adjective

Examples of dilatation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These cells cause vascular dilatation, resulting in crimson skin tone that is associated with niacin usage. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2022 That dilatation then triggers a primitive gut pain signal that’s perceived around the bellybutton. Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2020 Twelve objects were removed transanally by anal dilatation under general anesthesia. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2013 Hypertrophy and dilatation are known to cause the heart over time to have profoundly diminished functional capacity. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 7 Aug. 2022 Elevated feeders were once recommended as a way to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, a life-threatening condition that’s most prevalent in large and deep-chested breeds. Lindsay Pevny, Popular Mechanics, 24 June 2022 The couple’s veterinarian later confirmed that Gus died from a stomach bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 16 June 2022 In the case of Spix’s little blue macaws, that disease was nasty and incurable: proventricular dilatation disease. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 15 June 2022 Overdrinking or drinking too rapidly may cause bloat, a term used to describe gastric dilatation-volvulus. Bayliss Wagner, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dilatation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of dilatation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dilatation

Cite this Entry

“Dilatation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilatation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dilatation

noun
di·​la·​ta·​tion ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce dilatation (audio)
ˌdī-lə-

Medical Definition

dilatation

noun
di·​la·​ta·​tion ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce dilatation (audio) ˌdī-lə- How to pronounce dilatation (audio)
1
a
: the condition of being stretched or enlarged beyond normal dimensions especially as a result of overwork or disease or of abnormal relaxation
dilatation of the heart
dilatation of the stomach
b
: the act or action of stretching, widening, or enlarging an organ or part of the body : dilation sense 1b
… balloon dilatation of the affected tubal wall …Edmond Confino et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
2
: a dilated or enlarged part or formation
intestinal dilatations

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