In mathematics, a dilation with center O and nonzero scale factor k maps any point P to a point P' determined as follows:

(1) If k > 0, P' lies on ray OP and OP' = k * OP.
(2) If k < 0, P' lies on the ray opposite ray OP and OP' = |k| * OP.
(3) The center O is it's own image.
If |k| > 1, the dilation is an expansion.
If |k| < 1, the dilation is a contraction.

Di*la"tion (?), n. [L. dilatio. See Dilatory.]

Delay.

[Obs.]

Bp. Hall.

 

© Webster 1913.


Di*la"tion, n. [From dilate, v., cf. Dilatation, Dilator.]

The act of dilating, or the state of being dilated; expansion; dilatation.

Mrs. Browning.

At first her eye with slow dilation rolled. Tennyson.

A gigantic dilation of the hateful figure. Dickens.

 

© Webster 1913.

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