Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Dilate
Di-late′
(?; 277)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Dilated
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Dilating
.] 1.
To expand; to distend; to enlarge or extend in all directions; to swell; – opposed to
contract
; as, the air
dilates
the lungs; air is dilated
by increase of heat.2.
To enlarge upon; to relate at large; to tell copiously or diffusely.
[R.]
Syn. – To expand; swell; distend; enlarge; spread out; amplify; expatiate.
Di-late′
,Verb.
I.
1.
To grow wide; to expand; to swell or extend in all directions.
His heart
dilates
and glories in his strength. Addison.
2.
To speak largely and copiously; to dwell in narration; to enlarge; – with on or upon.
But still on their ancient joys
dilate
. Crabbe.
Di-late′
,Adj.
Extensive; expanded.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Dilate
DILATE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To expand; to distend; to enlarge or extend in all directions; opposed to contract. The air dilates the lungs; air is dilated by rarefaction.2.
To enlarge; to relate at large; to tell copiously or diffusely; as, to dilate upon the policy of a measure. In this sense, it is generally used intransitively. Spenser and Shakespeare have used it in a transitive sense; as, to dilate a theme.DILATE
,Adj.