Dilate

/dɪˈleɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to make or become wider, larger, or more open
The doctor noticed that the pupil began to dilate in response to the light.
to talk or write at length about a particular subject
During the lecture, she began to dilate on the importance of environmental conservation.

Etymology

From Latin 'dilatāre', meaning 'to spread out, expand'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

dilate on
to expand on a topic in detail
dilate the pupil
to widen the opening in the eye for medical examination

Related Words

dilation
the action of enlarging or expanding
dilator
a device used to expand or open a body part

Slang Meanings

to elaborate
She asked him to dilate more on his thoughts about the project.
to talk excessively or in detail
He just loves to dilate during meetings, sometimes it gets boring.