dilate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Atropine eye drops are typically used to dilate the pupil before eye exams.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 28, 2025
However, in their new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Attention, Perception & Psychophysics, the researchers reported that a person's pupils also dilate when they are concentrating on tasks.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 22, 2024
A typical remedy is to stretch or dilate the urethra, a minimally invasive procedure that is often performed with general anesthesia, Dr. Lepor said.
From New York Times ● Feb. 12, 2024
Although it is not an ordinary high blood pressure medicine, it can dilate blood vessels.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 22, 2023
Doth the heart not dilate, the humors circulate?
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
![]()
It's a different sort of time and it moves, it dilates.
From Salon ● Feb. 6, 2024
Their study, published Dec. 5 in the journal Cell, focuses on nitric oxide, a compound that dilates blood vessels, improves memory, fights infection and stimulates the release of hormones, among other functions.
From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2023
Adenosine is a by-product of energy metabolism, but it also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter—a chemical messenger that affects brain cells and dilates blood vessels.
From Scientific American ● Oct. 25, 2023
The drug also dilates the cervix and blocks the effects of progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 8, 2022
At the edge of the rectangle, a thin slit of light dilates wider.
From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith
![]()
Macs Green, a previously "completely healthy baby" suffered two cardiac arrests and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy - which can lead to heart failure.
From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026
And if the aorta is dilated a certain amount, patients often undergo an elective surgery to fix it.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026
The fetus’ head was pressed up against her dilated cervix, and a miscarriage was, according to her medical record, “inevitable.”
From Salon ● May 27, 2026
About 35 minutes in, Lamphere’s vitals started spiking; her heart rate quickened, she grew hot, her pupils dilated, she began grinding her teeth.
From Slate ● Jan. 30, 2026
His eyes are like black pools, the pupils dilated so that the blue irises have all but vanished.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
![]()
Scholars and intellectuals dilating in their little books: None of that matters anymore.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026
Erectile dysfunction drugs, which work by dilating blood vessels to allow more blood to flow through, were first developed to treat high blood pressure.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 7, 2024
The exhaustive format played to President Macron's strengths: his mastery of detail and obvious delight in dilating on every conceivable subject.
From BBC ● Jan. 17, 2024
Some also have trouble with the lining of their small blood vessels not dilating and constricting properly to move blood through, she added.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023
Pain, shame, ire, impatience, disgust, detestation, seemed momentarily to hold a quivering conflict in the large pupil dilating under his ebon eyebrow.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing dilate
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Selected Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!