Di*late" .] [L. dilatare; either fr. di- = dis- + latus wide, not the same word as latus, used as p. p. of ferre to bear (see Latitude); or fr. dilatus, used as p. p. of differre to separate (see Delay, Tolerate, Differ, and cf. Dilatory): cf. F. dilater.]
1.
To expand; to distend; to enlarge or extend in all directions; to swell; -- opposed to contract; as, the air dilates the lungs; air is dilated by increase of heat.
2.
To enlarge upon; to relate at large; to tell copiously or diffusely.
[R.]
Do me the favor to dilate at full
What hath befallen of them and thee till now.
Shak.
Syn. -- To expand; swell; distend; enlarge; spread out; amplify; expatiate.
© Webster 1913.
Di*late", v. i.
1.
To grow wide; to expand; to swell or extend in all directions.
His heart dilates and glories in his strength.
Addison.
2.
To speak largely and copiously; to dwell in narration; to enlarge; -- with on or upon.
But still on their ancient joys dilate.
Crabbe.
© Webster 1913.
Di*late", a.
Extensive; expanded.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.
© Webster 1913.