attenuation

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English attenuacioun, a borrowing from Latin attenuātiō (“a diminishing”). Equivalent to attenuate +‎ -ion. === Pronunciation === Rhymes: -eɪʃən === Noun === attenuation (countable and uncountable, plural attenuations) 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. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== attenuate tenuous thin ==== Translations ==== === References ===