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attenuate

verb

/əˈtɛnjʊeɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of attenuate

To reduce the intensity, strength, or effect of something, often by making it thinner, weaker, or less concentrated.
"Proper insulation can attenuate heat loss in buildings."

Detailed meaning of attenuate

When something is attenuated, it undergoes a process of thinning out or diminishing, resulting in a less pronounced or weaker state. This term is frequently used in scientific, technical, and medical contexts, such as attenuating a signal in electronics, attenuating a virus to create a vaccine, or attenuating the concentration of a substance in a chemical process. "Attenuate" underscores the idea of a deliberate or natural reduction in the potency or impact of a particular factor or substance, often to achieve a desired outcome or to make it more manageable or safe.

Example sentences containing attenuate

1. The medication is designed to attenuate the symptoms of the disease.
2. The noise-canceling headphones can attenuate background sounds.
3. The scientist discovered a compound that can attenuate the growth of cancer cells.
4. The filter is used to attenuate certain frequencies in the audio signal.
5. The protective gear worn by workers helps attenuate potential hazards.
6. The trees along the roadside help attenuate the noise from traffic.

History and etymology of attenuate

The verb 'attenuate' has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'attenuare,' which means 'to make thin' or 'to weaken.' This Latin term is formed by combining 'ad,' meaning 'to' or 'toward,' and 'tenuis,' meaning 'thin' or 'slender.' Therefore, 'attenuate' literally means 'to make thin toward,' suggesting the process of reducing something's thickness or strength. In English, 'attenuate' is used to describe the action of reducing the intensity, strength, or effect of something, often by making it thinner, weaker, or less concentrated. The etymology of 'attenuate' underscores the notion of thinning or weakening, emphasizing the act of diminishing the vigor or concentration of a substance or effect.

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Further usage examples of attenuate

1. The vaccine is expected to attenuate the severity of the illness.
2. The curtains in the theater are designed to attenuate sound reflections.
3. The use of sunscreen can attenuate the harmful effects of UV radiation.
4. The financial aid program aims to attenuate the economic disparities among students.
5. The company implemented measures to attenuate the environmental impact of its operations.
6. The artist used subtle shading to attenuate the contrast between light and dark areas.
7. The power supply unit is designed to attenuate voltage fluctuations.
8. The security system can attenuate unauthorized access to sensitive information.
9. The regulatory policies aim to attenuate the risk associated with certain industries.
10. The acoustic panels in the recording studio help attenuate echoes and reverberations.
11. The government implemented measures to attenuate the spread of infectious diseases.
12. The engineering team is working on a solution to attenuate signal loss in the communication system.
13. The medication's primary purpose is to attenuate inflammation in the body.
14. The water filter can attenuate contaminants, providing cleaner drinking water.
15. Efforts to attenuate the noise pollution in the city have been successful.
16. Medication can help attenuate the symptoms of the flu.
17. The company's cost-cutting measures may attenuate its profitability.
18. Engineers worked to attenuate the vibrations in the building's foundation.
19. The new law aims to attenuate discrimination in the workplace.
20. Solar panels can attenuate energy bills by harnessing sunlight.
21. The therapist helped him attenuate his anxiety through mindfulness techniques.
22. The artist used shading to attenuate the contrast in the painting.
23. To preserve the environment, we must attenuate our carbon footprint.
24. Proper insulation can attenuate heat loss in the winter months.