attenuate

(ə-tĕnˈyo͞o-ātˌ)

1. To make slender, fine, or small: The drought attenuated the river to a narrow channel.
2. To reduce in force, value, amount, or degree; weaken: Medicine attenuated the fever's effect.
3. To lessen the density of; rarefy.
4. Biology To make (bacteria or viruses) less virulent.
5. Electronics To reduce (the amplitude of an electrical signal) with little or no distortion.

1. Reduced or weakened, as in strength, value, or virulence.
2. Botany Gradually tapering to a slender point.

Related Forms:

• at·tenˌu·aˈtion noun