What does it mean to "dilate"?

To "dilate" specifically means to enlarge or expand. In various contexts, such as biology or medicine, dilation refers to the process of an opening becoming wider or an area increasing in size. For example, when blood vessels dilate, they become larger, allowing for increased blood flow. Similarly, during a medical examination of the eyes, the pupils dilate to allow more light to enter.

Understanding dilation in this way is critical, especially in fields related to health and science, as it describes a fundamental physiological process that can affect various bodily functions. The other options suggest actions contrary to dilation: compression and closure imply a reduction of space, while diminishment refers to a decrease in size, all of which are oppositional to the concept of enlarging or expanding.