Definition of: dilate

(dī·lāt′, di-) v. ·lat·ed, ·lat·ing v.t.
1. To make wider, larger or expanded; cause to swell or spread.
—v.i.
2. To expand, become larger or wider.
3. To speak or write diffusely; enlarge; expatiate: with on or upon. See synonyms under AMPLIFY. [<L dilatare spread out <dis- apart + latus wide]
—di·lat′a·ble adjective
—di·lat′a·ble·ness, di·lat′a·bil′i·ty noun
—di·lat′a·bly adverb