Dilatational

/ˌdaɪləˈteɪʃənəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or causing dilation; characterized by expansion or the process of becoming wider or larger.

Etymology

From dilation + -al (adjective suffix). Dilation comes from Latin dilatatio. The -al suffix converts the noun into an adjective describing properties or characteristics related to dilation.

Kelly Says

In seismology, dilatational waves (also called P-waves) are the primary earthquake waves that make rocks expand and contract—they travel fastest and arrive first, giving early warning of quakes.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.