noun
dilation
deye-LAY-shuhn
Dilation (noun) means the act or process of becoming wider or larger. Example: “The nurse checked the dilation of the cervix every hour.”
noun
1
The act or process of becoming wider or larger.
"The nurse checked the dilation of the cervix every hour."
"Dilation of the pupils can be a sign of certain drugs."
How to use dilation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of widening or expanding, especially used medically.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dilation.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- dilations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The nurse checked the _____ of the cervix every hour.
Etymology
From dilate plus the suffix -ion, first used in this form in the late 1500s.
Class of 1500
dilation joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dilation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for dilation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “dilation” mean?
The word “dilation” means the act or process of becoming wider or larger. In plain terms, the process of widening or expanding, especially used medically.
How do you pronounce “dilation”?
“Dilation” is pronounced deye-LAY-shuhn (/daɪˈleɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “dilation” in a sentence?
Here is “dilation” used in a sentence: “The nurse checked the dilation of the cervix every hour.”
What part of speech is “dilation”?
“Dilation” is a noun.
Where does the word “dilation” come from?
The word “dilation” dates back to around 1500. From dilate plus the suffix -ion, first used in this form in the late 1500s.
