Meaning & use

dilation

noun·Advanced

The process of becoming wider or more open, especially referring to a body part or an opening.

See it in a sentence

The doctor checked the dilation of her pupils with a small flashlight.

Labor typically progresses steadily as the cervix reaches full dilation.

A note on using this word

Dilation is common in medical contexts, such as pupils, blood vessels, or childbirth, describing a widening process.

Words with a similar meaning

expansionwidening

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

constriction

Make it your own

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