Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌdɪləˈteɪʃən/

Definitions

• The act or process of expanding or becoming larger, especially in a biological or mechanical context.
• In physics, the increase in volume or size of an object when subjected to heat or pressure.
• In medical contexts, the expansion of a body part, such as blood vessels or pupils, usually due to a physiological response or disease.

Usage Examples

• The dilatation of the artery was a cause for concern in the medical examination.
• Heat caused the dilatation of the metal, making it more pliable.

Etymology

From Latin "dilatatio," from "dilatare" meaning "to expand" or "to spread out," from "dis-" meaning "apart" and "latus" meaning "wide."

Synonyms

• Expansion
• Widening
• Enlargement
• Extension

Antonyms

• Contraction
• Compression
• Condensation

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the stress may be slightly more pronounced on the second syllable: "dil-a-ˈteɪ-ʃən."
• In American English, the pronunciation is clearer with a focus on the first syllable: "ˌdɪləˈteɪʃən."

Historical Usage

The term "dilatation" dates back to the 16th century, originally used in medical texts to describe the widening of blood vessels and other body parts. It was later adopted in scientific fields such as physics and engineering to describe the expansion of materials under various conditions like heat or pressure.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of dilatation is often associated with medical practices and conditions, such as the dilation of the pupils in response to light or the dilatation of the cervix during childbirth. In scientific and engineering contexts, it is more neutral and refers simply to the physical expansion of an object. The metaphorical use of "dilatation" can refer to an expansion of ideas or influence, particularly in social and political discourse.

More Information

Dilatation plays a crucial role in various scientific and medical fields. In biology, it can refer to the natural expansion of blood vessels or other body parts. In physics, it is used to describe the physical change in the volume of materials when subjected to external forces. In engineering, understanding dilatation is critical in designing materials that must withstand expansion due to temperature changes. Overall, the concept of dilatation is vital in understanding the behavior of materials, biological systems, and natural processes under different conditions.