Word a Day
dilate
What does dilate mean?
dilate (verb): to become wider or larger; to expand.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where does dilate come from?
First attested in 1393, in Middle English; inherited from Middle English dilaten, from Old French dilater, from Latin dīlātō (“to spread out”), from dī- + lātus (“wide”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Words related to dilate
From Princeton WordNet 3.1.
Test yourself: do you know “dilate”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “dilate” mean?
to become wider or larger; to expand
Right! That's what “dilate” means.
to rush, flood, or increase suddenly
Not quite: that's what surge means.
(of information) make known; pass on
Not quite: that's what convey means.
use or manipulate to one's advantage
Not quite: that's what exploit means.
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