dilatator
(ˈdaɪləˌteɪtə(r))
[a. L. dīlātātor, agent-n. from dīlātā-re to dilate. In F. dilatateur (Cotgr. 1611). When treated as Latin, the stress is on the third syllable.]
a. Anat. A muscle which dilates or expands a part; also attrib. b. Surgery. An instrument for dilating or distending an opening. (Also dilater, and less correctly dilator.)
| 1611 Cotgr., Dilatateur, a dilatator, inlarger, widener; extender. 1878 Bell Gegenbaur's Comp. Anat. 571 In the Reptilia these are replaced by a constrictor and a dilatator muscle. 1883 Syd. Soc. Lex., Dilata{p}tor, a widener. Applied to certain muscles whose office is to widen or dilate the parts on which they act; also applied to instruments for opening or enlarging the entrances to cavities or passages. |