\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.
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.

\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.

\Di*late"\, a.
Extensive; expanded. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.