dilated
v. C1 Advanced US //ˌdaɪˈɫeɪtɪd// UK //daɪlˈeɪtɪd// di·lat·ed
v. to make something wider or larger. You use this when you want to describe a physical change, like a pupil in the eye or a blood vessel.
v. to expand or widen in size, shape, or scope. Often describes physiological processes or the physical expansion of structures.
The doctor dilated the patient's pupils to check for eye damage.
The blood vessels in the skin dilated to release heat during the hot summer afternoon.
As the pressure within the chamber increased, the structural supports began to dilate, eventually leading to a catastrophic failure of the containment system.