Attenuate
/əˈtɛ.njʊ.eɪt/noun
To reduce in force, effect, or value.
Did you know?In ancient alchemical texts, 'attenuation' referred to the process of thinning substances to release their hidden powers, hinting at the transformative nature of language itself.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
attenuāre
“to make thin or weak”
Old French
Old French
atenuer
“to lessen or weaken”
14th Century
Middle English
attenuen
“to become less in intensity”
Modern English
English
attenuate
“to reduce in force or severity”