vasodilation

noun

va·​so·​di·​la·​tion ˌvā-zō-dī-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce vasodilation (audio)
-də-
variants or vasodilatation
ˌvā-zō-ˌdi-lə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce vasodilation (audio)
-ˌdī-lə-
: widening of the lumen of blood vessels

Examples of vasodilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sometimes the effort to keep things from touching causes vasodilation of the small blood vessels in the face. — Ben Lerner, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 The medications may promote vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which helps improve blood flow. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026 High temps trigger vasodilation—the technical term for blood vessel expansion. — Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026 The method works through vasoconstriction and vasodilation (tightening and widening blood vessels), which moves blood and byproducts more efficiently. — Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vasodilation

Word History

Etymology

vaso(dilator) + dilation or dilatation

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vasodilation was in 1908

Rhymes for vasodilation

See All Rhymes for vasodilation

Browse Nearby Words

vasocorona
vasodilation
vasodilator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vasodilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasodilation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

vasodilation

noun
va·​so·​di·​la·​tion ˌvā-zo-dī-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce vasodilation (audio)
variants or vasodilatation
-ˌdil-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce vasodilation (audio) -ˌdī-lə- How to pronounce vasodilation (audio)
: widening of the lumen of blood vessels

More from Merriam-Webster on vasodilation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vasodilation

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