attenuate

 

verb

Pronunciation: /əˈtɛnjʊeɪt/
[with object]
  • 1reduce the force, effect, or value of: her intolerance was attenuated by an unexpected liberalism
  • reduce the amplitude of (a signal, electric current, or other oscillation): the filter must severely attenuate frequencies above 10 Hz
  • reduce the virulence of (a pathogenic organism or vaccine): researchers hoped that the substance would attenuate the course of the disease
  • 2reduce in thickness; make thin.

adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈtɛnjʊət/
rare
  • reduced in force, effect, or physical thickness: the doctrines of Christianity became very attenuate and distorted

Derivatives

attenuation

Pronunciation: /-ˈeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin attenuat- 'made slender', from the verb attenuare, from ad- 'to' + tenuare 'make thin' (from tenuis 'thin')