dilatation
noun
di·la·ta·tion
ˌdi-lə-ˈtā-shən 
ˌdī-
plural dilatations
1
a
: the state of being expanded or widened
specifically
: the condition of being stretched or enlarged beyond normal dimensions especially as a result of overwork, disease, or abnormal relaxation
dilatation of the heart
Probably one of the most prevalent conditions in sighthounds is dilatation of the stomach … —
Asa Mays
Asa Mays Pulmonary vascular dilatation contributes to hypoxemia … —Elizabeth Dean
Elizabeth Dean
b
: the act or action of stretching, widening, or enlarging an organ or part of the body : dilation sense b
… balloon dilatation of the affected tubal wall …—Edmond Confino et al.
Edmond Confino et al.
c
: a dilated or enlarged part or formation
intestinal dilatations
2
archaic
: amplification in writing or speech
"… And then he went on in a dilatation on the dumbness of Nature during the season's suspension and torpidity."—Cowden Clarke
Cowden ClarkeExamples of dilatation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus most commonly affects a few large breeds with deep chests and German Shepherds are among those most affected.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
These cells cause vascular dilatation, resulting in crimson skin tone that is associated with niacin usage.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2022
Hypertrophy and dilatation are known to cause the heart over time to have profoundly diminished functional capacity.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 7 Aug. 2022
Elevated feeders were once recommended as a way to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, a life-threatening condition that’s most prevalent in large and deep-chested breeds.
—Lindsay Pevny, Popular Mechanics, 24 June 2022
The couple’s veterinarian later confirmed that Gus died from a stomach bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
—Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 16 June 2022
In the case of Spix’s little blue macaws, that disease was nasty and incurable: proventricular dilatation disease.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 15 June 2022
Overdrinking or drinking too rapidly may cause bloat, a term used to describe gastric dilatation-volvulus.
—Bayliss Wagner, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2021
In Arkansas, dilatation and evacuation was the only method used to end pregnancies after 12 weeks, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
—Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 23 Dec. 2020
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Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
These cells cause vascular dilatation, resulting in crimson skin tone that is associated with niacin usage.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2022
Hypertrophy and dilatation are known to cause the heart over time to have profoundly diminished functional capacity.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 7 Aug. 2022
Elevated feeders were once recommended as a way to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, a life-threatening condition that’s most prevalent in large and deep-chested breeds.
—Lindsay Pevny, Popular Mechanics, 24 June 2022
The couple’s veterinarian later confirmed that Gus died from a stomach bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
—Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 16 June 2022
In the case of Spix’s little blue macaws, that disease was nasty and incurable: proventricular dilatation disease.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 15 June 2022
Overdrinking or drinking too rapidly may cause bloat, a term used to describe gastric dilatation-volvulus.
—Bayliss Wagner, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2021
In Arkansas, dilatation and evacuation was the only method used to end pregnancies after 12 weeks, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
—Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 23 Dec. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Dilatation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilatation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dilatation
noun
di·la·ta·tion
ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən
ˌdī-lə-
Medical Definition
dilatation
noun
di·la·ta·tion
ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən
ˌdī-lə-
ˌdī-lə-
1
a
: the condition of being stretched or enlarged beyond normal dimensions especially as a result of overwork or disease or of abnormal relaxation
dilatation of the heart
dilatation of the stomach
b
: the act or action of stretching, widening, or enlarging an organ or part of the body : dilation sense 1b
… balloon dilatation of the affected tubal wall …—Edmond Confino et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
Edmond Confino et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association2
: a dilated or enlarged part or formation
intestinal dilatations
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