attenuation

English

noun
Definitions
  • A gradual diminishing of strength.
  • (physics) A reduction in the level of some property with distance, especially the amplitude of a wave or the strength of a signal.
  • (biology) A weakening in the virulence of a pathogen or other microorganism.
  • (botany) The tapering of a leaf etc to a fine point.
  • (engineering) A fabrication process in which a material is stretched out into a thin shape.
  • (homeopathy) The reduction of the active principles of medicines to minute doses.
  • (brewing) The proportion of sugar that is converted to ethanol by a yeast.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English attenuacioun derived from Latin attenuātiō (a diminishing) suffix from English attenuate.

Origin

English

attenuate

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms