vasodilation

noun

va·​so·​di·​la·​tion ˌvā-zō-dī-ˈlā-shən 

-də-

variants or vasodilatation

ˌvā-zō-ˌdi-lə-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌdī-lə-

: widening of the lumen of blood vessels

Examples of vasodilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oscillating between vasodilation and vasoconstriction acts as a workout for your vascular system in the same way that bicep curls are a workout for your arms, Josh Hagen, MS, PhD, the faculty director of the Human Performance Collaborative at The Ohio State University, tells SELF. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026

The method works through vasoconstriction and vasodilation (tightening and widening blood vessels), which moves blood and byproducts more efficiently. —Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025

This helps keep blood vessels flexible and better able to produce nitric oxide (NO), a gas that stimulates vasodilation. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 26 Dec. 2025

This may be due to its positive effects on vasodilation, which is when blood vessels (tubes that carry blood) widen. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

vaso(dilator) + dilation or dilatation

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vasodilation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

vasodilation

noun

va·​so·​di·​la·​tion ˌvā-zo-dī-ˈlā-shən 

variants or vasodilatation

-ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən  -ˌdī-lə- 

: widening of the lumen of blood vessels