Dilate
dy-LAYT
/daɪˈleɪt/
To become wider, larger, or more open, especially referring to the pupil of the eye.
In eye care, eye drops are used to dilate pupils so doctors can inspect internal structures like the retina.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'dilatare' (to spread out), formed from 'dis-' (apart) and 'latus' (wide). Early medical scholars used it to describe blood vessels and organic apertures opening widely.
Word relationships
- expand: General term for increase in size across any dimension.
- widen: Refers to increasing width or aperture.
- constrict: To narrow or shrink in size, especially referring to pupils in bright light.
Commonly confused with
- Dilute: Dilute means to make a liquid thinner by adding solvent, whereas dilate means to widen.
Word family
- dilation (noun): The action or state of becoming wider or dilated.
- dilator (noun): A muscle or instrument that causes dilation.
Collocations
- dilate pupils
- dilated eyes
- pupils dilate naturally
Example sentences
- "The eye specialist administered drops to dilate the patient's pupils before inspecting the optic nerve." Clinical exam
Memory hook
DILATE opens the door LATE at night when light is low. Widen or open up.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'delay', which means to postpone.
Fun facts
- Human pupils naturally dilate not only in darkness, but also during intense mental focus or emotional excitement.
Related words
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