Attenuate is a verb that is often used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts. It is a word that is used to describe the process of making something weaker, thinner, or less potent. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of attenuate, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.
Definitions
The word attenuate is defined as “to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, or value” or “to make something thin or slender”. It is also used to describe the process of reducing the virulence of a virus or bacteria.
Origin
The word attenuate comes from the Latin word attenuare, which means “to make thin”. The word first appeared in English in the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, attenuate means “to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to reduce in thickness, density, or force”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to make something weaker or less effective”.
Associations
Attenuate is often used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts. It is used to describe the process of making something weaker or less potent. It is commonly used in the fields of microbiology, pharmacology, and electronics.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of attenuate include weaken, reduce, diminish, dilute, thin, and decrease.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of attenuate include strengthen, intensify, enhance, fortify, and amplify.
The same root words
The word attenuate is derived from the Latin word attenuare, which means “to make thin”. Other words that share the same root include tenuous, extenuate, and tenet.
Example Sentences
- The medication is designed to attenuate the symptoms of the disease.
- The virus was attenuated by exposure to heat.
- The sound of the music was attenuated by the thick walls of the building.
- The company had to attenuate its production due to a decrease in demand.
- The scientist used a process of attenuation to reduce the toxicity of the chemical.