Di*late" .] [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.]

1.

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.

2.

To enlarge upon; to relate at large; to tell copiously or diffusely.

[R.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Di*late", v. i.

1.

To grow wide; to expand; to swell or extend in all directions.

His heart dilates and glories in his strength. Addison.

2.

To speak largely and copiously; to dwell in narration; to enlarge; -- with on or upon.

But still on their ancient joys dilate. Crabbe.

 

© Webster 1913.


Di*late", a.

Extensive; expanded.

[Obs.]

B. Jonson.

 

© Webster 1913.