ectasis

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In anc. orthoëpy and prosody: The pronunciation of a vowel as long.
2. n. The lengthening or protraction of a vowel usually short. See diastole.
3. n. In ancient rhetoric: The use of a long vowel or syllable in a part of a clause or sentence where it will produce a special rhythmical effect.
4. n. The use of a form of word longer than that commonly employed. This is generally called paragoge.

Wiktionary

1. n. dilatation: for example, bronchiectasis, which refers to a pathologic dilatation of the bronchi of the lung.
2. n. The lengthening of a syllable from short to long.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Pros.) The lengthening of a syllable from short to long.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. dilatation or distension of a hollow organ