noun

vasodilation

/ˌveɪsoʊdaɪˈleɪʃən/ · say it: VAY·so·dy·LAY·shun

the widening of blood vessels

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

1. (noun) the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure

Examples

The medication causes vasodilation to help improve blood flow to the heart.

How to use vasodilation

Vasodilation is a medical or scientific term used in physiological and clinical contexts to describe the widening of blood vessels. It appears frequently in medical literature, pharmacology discussions, and clinical explanations of cardiovascular responses to drugs, exercise, or environmental factors.

Common phrases

peripheral vasodilation
cerebral vasodilation
coronary vasodilation
induced vasodilation
vasodilation occurs
promote vasodilation

Synonyms

blood vessel dilation · vasodilatory response · widening of arteries · expansion of blood vessels · increased vascular diameter

Opposites

vasoconstriction · blood vessel constriction · vasospasm

Word family

vasodilate (verb) · vasodilator (noun) · vasodilatory (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse vasodilation with vasoconstriction, forgetting that vasodilation means widening (increased diameter) rather than narrowing. Additionally, non-specialists may use the term loosely when referring to any increased blood flow without understanding the specific mechanical process.

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