dilatar

Dilat ar is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese meaning to widen, expand, or extend. The term derives from Latin dilatare, from dilat- meaning “spread out.” It can describe physical enlargement as well as the stretching of time or duration.

In medical and anatomical contexts, dilatación (Spanish) or dilatação (Portuguese) refers to the dilation of passages or organs. Common expressions include dilatar las pupilas (to dilate the pupils), dilatar el cuello del útero or dilatar o colo do útero (to dilate the cervix), and dilatar los vasos sanguíneos (to dilate blood vessels). Pharmacological or physiological processes may cause dilation, such as the use of mydriatics to induce pupil dilation.

Dilat ar is also used to express temporal extension or delay. Phrases like dilatar un plazo (to extend or enlarge a deadline) or dilatar un proceso (to protract or slow a process) convey the idea of lengthening duration. Figuratively, it can refer to prolonging discussions or events, not just physical widenings.

In Brazilian Portuguese and other varieties of Portuguese, the same verb is used with similar meanings: dilatar o prazo, dilatar as pupilas, or dilatar os vasos sanguíneos. Common synonyms in these languages include ampliar, expandir and alongar in appropriate contexts, though each synonym carries its own nuance.

See also: dilation, mydriasis, vasodilation, dilatation.