Final answer:
The definition of 'dilated' refers to an expansion or stretching of a body part, commonly used in medical contexts such as an eye examination where the pupils are made larger to facilitate a better view of the eye's internal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a student asked what the definition of dilated was, they were likely inquiring about a term commonly used in health or medical contexts. Dilated refers to something that has been expanded or stretched, typically referencing a part of the body such as a blood vessel or the pupils of the eyes. The term can be used to describe both normal and abnormal expansions in all dimensions, and it might be a topic explained in high school health classes, particularly when discussing the functions of the eye or the cardiovascular system.
For example, in the provided sentence, 'The Eye Doctor dilated my eyes to make sure they were okay,' the term is used to describe the deliberate expansion of the pupils. This allows the eye doctor to examine the retina and other structures at the back of the eye more thoroughly. The action is typically achieved through the application of special eye drops that temporarily prevent the pupils from constricting, thus keeping them open.
An understanding of the term dilated extends beyond just its use in medicine, as it can be applied to many scenarios where something is being expanded or enlarged. However, in a health or biology class, it primarily helps students understand how doctors can facilitate diagnoses through changes in the body, whether natural or induced.