Word
dilation
Phoneticsdi·la·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌdaɪˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/daɪlˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the act of making something larger or wider. In math, it means changing the size of a shape while keeping its shape the same.
n. the process of increasing the size or extent of something. In a mathematical context, it refers to a transformation that scales an object from a fixed point without altering its shape.
Examples
“The dilation of the pupil allows more light to enter the eye.”
“The architect used a dilation of the original blueprint to create a larger model for the presentation.”
“In topology, the dilation of a set by a certain radius involves adding all points within that distance to the original set, effectively expanding its boundary.”
Examples
simple
“The dilation of the pupil allows more light to enter the eye.”
contextual
“The architect used a dilation of the original blueprint to create a larger model for the presentation.”
complex
“In topology, the dilation of a set by a certain radius involves adding all points within that distance to the original set, effectively expanding its boundary.”
Real-World Examples
“The hysteroscopies were much worse than childbirth for me – it was zero dilation to full dilation in no time at all.” Etymology
From dilate + -ion, late 16th c.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/dilation