GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Dilate , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dilated ; p. pr. & vb. n. Dilating .] [L. dilatare; either fr. di- = dis- + latus wide, not the same word as latus, used as p. p. of ferre to bear (see Latitude); or fr. dilatus, used as p. p. of differre to separate (see Delay, Tolerate, Differ, and cf. Dilatory): cf. F. dilater.]
    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.
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   To enlarge upon; to relate at large; to tell copiously or diffusely. [R.]
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   Do me the favor to dilate at full
   What hath befallen of them and thee till now.
   Shak.
   Syn. -- To expand; swell; distend; enlarge; spread out; amplify; expatiate.
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2.       
   Dilate, v. i.
   To grow wide; to expand; to swell or extend in all directions.
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   His heart dilates and glories in his strength.
   Addison.
   
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   To speak largely and copiously; to dwell in narration; to enlarge; -- with on or upon.
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   But still on their ancient joys dilate.
   Crabbe.
   
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3.       
   Dilate, a. Extensive; expanded. [Obs.]
   B. Jonson.
   
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