dilatation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “dilatation” mean?
The action or condition of becoming wider, larger, or expanded.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or condition of becoming wider, larger, or expanded; the state of being stretched.
In medical contexts, refers specifically to the artificial enlargement of an opening, channel, or cavity (e.g., dilation of the cervix). In physics/engineering, can refer to the expansion of a material or the enlargement of an image by an optical system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'dilatation' is more commonly retained in formal/medical contexts (e.g., 'oesophageal dilatation'). In US English, the shorter form 'dilation' is generally preferred across all contexts, though 'dilatation' persists in certain fixed medical terms.
Connotations
Slightly more archaic and formal; in the US, its use may signal a highly technical or old-fashioned register. In the UK, it is standard in specific fields.
Frequency
Much less frequent than 'dilation' in general usage. 'Dilatation' has a strong technical/medical skew.
Grammar
How to Use “dilatation” in a Sentence
dilatation of [noun][adjective] dilatationdilatation and [noun]lead to/cause/result in dilatationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dilatation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The procedure is designed to dilate the stricture.
- The pupils will dilate in low light.
American English
- The surgeon will dilate the artery before inserting the stent.
- Eyedrops are used to dilate the pupils for examination.
adverb
British English
- The vessel expanded dilatationally over time.
American English
- The material reacts dilatationally under heat.
adjective
British English
- The dilatational forces were measured.
- The patient showed dilatational changes in the aorta.
American English
- The dilational properties of the polymer were tested.
- The report noted dilational remodeling of the ventricle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Used in medical, physics, and engineering papers (e.g., 'thermal dilatation of metals', 'cervical dilatation during labour').
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation; 'dilation' or simpler terms like 'widening' are preferred.
Technical
Primary domain of use: medicine (cardiovascular, gastroenterology, obstetrics), materials science, optics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dilatation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dilatation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dilatation”
- Misspelling as 'dilation' (though this is often acceptable).
- Using in casual contexts where 'widening' or 'opening up' would be more natural.
- Pronouncing the first 'a' as in 'day' (/deɪ/) instead of the schwa /ə/ in American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most contexts, especially in American English, they are interchangeable. 'Dilatation' is often preferred in formal medical terminology (e.g., 'dilatation and curettage'), while 'dilation' is the more common, general term.
It would sound very formal and technical. In everyday situations, use simpler words like 'widening', 'opening', 'expansion', or the more common 'dilation' (e.g., 'pupil dilation').
The verb is 'to dilate'. 'Dilatate' is not a standard English verb.
It is exclusively a noun. The process or result of dilating. The action itself is performed by the verb 'dilate'.
The action or condition of becoming wider, larger, or expanded.
Dilatation is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Dilatation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʌɪleɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪləˈteɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LATE party that gets bigger and bigger: DI-LATE-ation. It's the process of getting larger, like a party expanding.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER EXPANDING (The body/channel/vessel is a container that can be stretched).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'dilatation' MOST commonly used?