Meaning of the word attenuate in English

What does attenuate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

attenuate

US /əˈten.ju.eɪt/

UK /əˈten.ju.eɪt/

reduce the force, effect, or value of something

Example:

•

The vaccine helps to attenuate the severity of the disease.

•

The sound waves attenuate as they travel through the air.

Synonym:

weaken reduce lessen diminish dilute

reduce the amplitude of (a signal, electric current, or other oscillation)

Example:

•

The circuit is designed to attenuate the high-frequency noise.

•

Fiber optic cables can attenuate light signals over long distances.

Synonym:

dampen deaden muffle soften

(of a disease or a pathogenic agent) reduced in virulence

Example:

•

The virus was attenuated in the lab to create a vaccine.

•

Live attenuated vaccines contain a weakened form of the pathogen.

Synonym:

weakened diluted reduced

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