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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Dilate \Di*late"\ (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dilated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Dilating}.] [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.
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2. To enlarge upon; to relate at large; to tell copiously or
diffusely. [R.]
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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.
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Dilate \Di*late"\, v. i.
1. To grow wide; to expand; to swell or extend in all
directions.
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His heart dilates and glories in his strength.
--Addison.
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2. To speak largely and copiously; to dwell in narration; to
enlarge; -- with on or upon.
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But still on their ancient joys dilate. --Crabbe.
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Dilate \Di*late"\, a.
Extensive; expanded. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
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