attenuate

  1. Verb.  (transitive) To reduce in size, force, value, amount, or degree.
  2. Verb.  (transitive) To weaken.
  3. Verb.  (transitive) To rarefy.
  4. Verb.  (transitive) To reduce the virulence of a bacteria or virus.
  5. Verb.  (transitive, electronics) To reduce the amplitude of an electrical signal.
  6. Adjective.  (botany, of leaves) Gradually tapering into a petiole-like extension toward the base.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.