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

Pulmonary vascular dilatation contributes to hypoxemia …

—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.

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

dilatational

ˌdi-lə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌdī-

adjective

Examples 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

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for dilatation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dilatation

noun

di·​la·​ta·​tion ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən 

ˌdī-lə-

: dilation sense 2

Medical Definition

dilatation

noun

di·​la·​ta·​tion ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən  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

2

: a dilated or enlarged part or formation

intestinal dilatations