dilate
UK: daɪˈleɪt | US: ˈdaɪleɪt
vi. to become wider or larger; expand
vt. to make wider or larger; cause to expand
The word "dilate" originates from the Latin dilatare, combining dis- (apart) and latus (wide). The morpheme "di-" signifies separation or expansion, while "late" conveys the idea of width. Historically, it described physical expansion (e.g., pupils dilating) but later extended metaphorically to include abstract expansion (e.g., dilating on a topic). The logical progression reflects a movement from literal to figurative broadening.
The doctor used eye drops to dilate the patient’s pupils.
During the lecture, the professor dilated on the implications of climate change.
Blood vessels dilate in response to heat.
She took a deep breath, feeling her lungs dilate.
The essay dilates on the cultural significance of the Renaissance.