dilation
[di-la´shun] 1. the act of dilating or stretching.
3. an increase in the diameter of a circular structure, such as the pupil.
dilation and curettage D and C; expanding of the ostium uteri to permit scraping of the walls of the uterus. See also
abortion.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
di·la·tion
(dī-lā'shŭn), 1. Physiologic or artificial enlargement of a hollow structure or opening.
2. The act of stretching or enlarging an opening or the lumen of a hollow structure.
[L. dilato, pp. dilatatus, to spread out, dilate]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
dilation
(dī-lā′shən, dĭ-)n.1. a. The act of expanding or enlarging or the state of being expanded or enlarged: dilation of the cervix during labor.
b. The condition of being abnormally expanded or enlarged, as of an organ, orifice, or tubular structure in the body.
2. A lengthy spoken or written discussion on a topic: "an Edith Whartonesque dilation on a social class steeped in hypocrisy" (Caroline Seebohm).
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
dilation
Ophthalmology A process by which the pupil is temporarily enlarged with mydriatics to improve visualization of the fundusMcGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
di·la·tion
(dī-lā'shŭn) 1. Physiologic or artificial enlargement of a hollow structure or opening.
2. The act of stretching or enlarging an opening or the lumen of a hollow structure.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
di·la·tion
, dilatation (dī-lā'shŭn, dil'ă-tā'shŭn) 1. Physiologic or artificial enlargement of a hollow structure or opening.
2. Stretching an opening of a hollow structure.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012