# dilated

/ˌdaɪˈɫeɪtɪd/ (US) · /daɪlˈeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dilated
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: to expand or widen in size, shape, or scope. Often describes physiological processes or the physical expansion of structures.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.