1. abnormal dilation or expansion of a hollow organ or blood vessel
Usage: medical term; often used in combination with the name of an organ (e.g., bronchiectasis, gastroectasis)

Examples

• The patient was diagnosed with bronchiectasis, a condition involving ectasis of the bronchial tubes.
• Ectasis of the coronary arteries can lead to serious cardiovascular complications.
• The ultrasound revealed ectasis of the pancreatic duct.
• Venous ectasis may develop as a result of chronic venous insufficiency.
• The doctor explained that ectasis of the esophagus was causing the patient's swallowing difficulties.