dilatar

Senses

1. 1.

   to dilate, to expand

   to make or become wider, larger, or more open (physical objects, pupils, blood vessels)

2. 2.

   to prolong, to extend

   to make something last longer in time; to延长 delay

3. 3.

   to expand, to enlarge

   to increase in scope, range, or influence (abstract concepts)

Examples

• "O médico pingou colírio para dilatar as pupilas do paciente."

  The doctor put in eye drops to dilate the patient's pupils.

• "O calor dilata os metais."

  Heat expands metals.

• "Não podemos dilatar mais esse prazo de entrega."

  We can't extend this delivery deadline any further.

Usage

Most commonly used in medical contexts (dilating pupils, blood vessels) and physics (thermal expansion). When referring to time extension, "prolongar" or "estender" are often more natural choices. The reflexive form "dilatar-se" is frequently used for intransitive meanings.