1. the action of becoming wider, larger, or more open
2. the enlargement of an opening or hollow organ in the body
Usage: medical
3. a transformation that changes the size of a figure without changing its shape
Usage: mathematics; geometry

Examples

• The dilation of the pupils occurs in dim light.
• Heat causes the dilation of metal pipes.
• The doctor checked for cervical dilation during labor.
• Dilation of blood vessels helps reduce blood pressure.
• In geometry class, we studied dilation as a type of transformation.
• The dilation made the triangle twice as large but kept the same shape.
• Eye drops can cause temporary dilation of the pupils.