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.

DILATE
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.

DILATE
Di*late", a.

Defn: Extensive; expanded. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

DILATED
Di*lat"ed, a.

1. Expanded; enlarged. Shak.