(of rocks) The increase in the volume of rocks mainly due to pervasive microcracking.
(from the article `earthquake`) The theory of dilatancy (that is, an increase in volume) of rock prior to rupture once occupied a central position in discussions of premonitory ...
An increasing viscosity with increasing rate of shear accompanied by volumetric expansion. ... Origin: L. Dilato, to dilate ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
Type: Term Pronunciation: dī-lā′tants-ē Definitions: 1. An increasing viscosity with increasing rate of shear accompanied by volumetric expansion.
The property of a suspension such that when it becomes mechanically disturbed it appears to stiffen but becomes mobile again when the disturbing force is removed.
An increase in the bulk volume of rock during deformation. Possibly related to the migration of water into microfractures or pores.