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Dilate vs Constrict - What's the difference?

dilate | constrict |

As verbs the difference between dilate and constrict

is that dilate is to enlarge; to make bigger while constrict is to narrow, especially by applying pressure.

dilate

English

Verb

(dilat)
  • To enlarge; to make bigger.
  • The eye doctor put drops in my eye to dilate the pupil so he could see the nerve better.
  • To become wider or larger; to expand.
  • His heart dilates and glories in his strength.
  • (ambitransitive) To speak largely and copiously; to dwell in narration; to enlarge; with "on" or "upon".
  • * Shakespeare
  • Do me the favour to dilate at full / What hath befallen of them and thee till now.
  • * Crabbe
  • But still on their ancient joys dilate .

    Derived terms

    * dilatability * dilatable * dilation * dilative

    See also

    * dilute

    Anagrams

    * English ergative verbs ----

    constrict

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To narrow, especially by applying pressure.
  • Derived terms

    * constriction

    See also

    * constrain