Definitions of attenuate [əˈtɛn tɪv]

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Definition of 'attenuate'

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

1. (v.t.) attenuate
to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value:
to attenuate desire.

2.  attenuate
to make thin; make slender or fine.

3.  attenuate
to render less virulent, as a strain of pathogenic virus or bacterium.

4.  attenuate
to reduce the amplitude of (an electronic signal) without distortion.

5. (v.i.) attenuate
to become thin or fine; lessen.

6. (adj.) attenuate
weakened; diminishing.

7.  attenuate
Bot. tapering gradually to a narrow extremity.

Etymology: (1520–30; < L attenuātus, ptp. of attenuāre to thin, reduce. See at -, tenuis , -ate¹)

Definition of 'attenuate'

Princeton's WordNet

1. (verb) attenuate, attenuated, faded, weakened
reduced in strength
"the faded tones of an old recording"

2. (verb) rarefy, attenuate
weaken the consistency of (a chemical substance)

3. (verb) attenuate
become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude

Definition of 'attenuate'

Webster Dictionary

1. (adj) attenuate
alt. of Attenuated

2. (verb) attenuate
to make thin or slender, as by mechanical or chemical action upon inanimate objects, or by the effects of starvation, disease, etc., upon living bodies

3. (verb) attenuate
to make thin or less consistent; to render less viscid or dense; to rarefy. Specifically: To subtilize, as the humors of the body, or to break them into finer parts

4. (verb) attenuate
to lessen the amount, force, or value of; to make less complex; to weaken

5. (verb) attenuate
to become thin, slender, or fine; to grow less; to lessen

'attenuate' - Nearby Entries
attentively attentiveness attenuate attenuated attenuation attenuator attestant

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