verb
attenuate
Attenuate (verb) means to reduce in size, force, value, amount, or degree.
verb
1
To reduce in size, force, value, amount, or degree.
2
To make thinner, as by physically reshaping, starving, or decaying.
3
To become thin or fine; to grow less.
4
To reduce the virulence of a bacterium or virus.
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Etymology
The verb is first attested in 1530, the adjective in 1626; borrowed from Latin attenuātus, the perfect passive participle of attenuō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from ad- (“to, towards, at”) + tenuo (“to make thin”), itself from tenuis (“thin”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix).
Rhymes for attenuate
See all rhymes for attenuate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of attenuate?
"attenuate" (verb) means to reduce in size, force, value, amount, or degree.
What are the different meanings of attenuate?
"attenuate" has 3 main meanings: 1. To reduce in size, force, value, amount, or degree; 2. To make thinner, as by physically reshaping, starving, or decaying; 3. To become thin or fine; to grow less.