attenuate Definition
- 1to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value
- 2to make thin or slender
- 3to reduce the virulence of a pathogenic bacterium or virus
Using attenuate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "attenuate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The medication attenuated the symptoms of the disease.
Example
The sound of the music was attenuated by the walls of the building.
Example
The company decided to attenuate its workforce due to financial difficulties.
attenuate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with attenuate
a vaccine that contains a weakened or less virulent strain of the pathogen
Example
The attenuated vaccine for measles is highly effective.
a sampling technique used in infrared spectroscopy that allows for the analysis of solid and liquid samples without the need for extensive sample preparation
Example
The use of attenuated total reflectance has revolutionized the field of infrared spectroscopy.
a condition characterized by mild psychotic symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a full-blown psychotic disorder
Example
Patients with attenuated psychosis syndrome may benefit from early intervention and treatment.
Origins of attenuate
from Latin 'attenuatus', meaning 'made thin'
Summary: attenuate in Brief
To 'attenuate' [uh-ten-yoo-eyt] means to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value. It can also mean to make thin or slender or to reduce the virulence of a pathogenic bacterium or virus. Examples include attenuating the symptoms of a disease with medication or attenuating the sound of music with walls. 'Attenuate' extends into phrases like 'attenuated vaccine,' which contains a weakened strain of the pathogen, and 'attenuated total reflectance,' a sampling technique used in infrared spectroscopy.