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Attenuated: meaning, definitions and examples

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attenuated

 

[ əˈtɛnjueɪtɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in context of reduction

Attenuated refers to something that has been weakened, reduced in force, or made less intense. This term is frequently used in medical and scientific fields, particularly in relation to pathogens, where it denotes a strain that is less virulent than its wild-type counterpart. The concept of attenuation can also apply to sound, light, or other forms of energy, where it describes a decrease in amplitude or strength. In essence, an attenuated entity retains its identity but is diminished in potency.

Synonyms

diluted, lessened, reduced, weakened

Examples of usage

  • The scientist used an attenuated strain of the virus for the vaccine.
  • Attenuated signals often lose clarity over long distances.
  • The researchers studied the effects of the attenuated drug on patients.

Translations

Translations of the word "attenuated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atenuado

🇮🇳 कमज़ोर

🇩🇪 abgeschwächt

🇮🇩 dilemahkan

🇺🇦 ослаблений

🇵🇱 osłabiony

🇯🇵 弱まった

🇫🇷 atténué

🇪🇸 atenuado

🇹🇷 zayıflatılmış

🇰🇷 약화된

🇸🇦 مخفف

🇨🇿 oslabený

🇸🇰 oslabený

🇨🇳 减弱的

🇸🇮 oslabljen

🇮🇸 veiktur

🇰🇿 әлсіреген

🇬🇪 ასუსტებული

🇦🇿 zəiflədilmiş

🇲🇽 atenuado

Word origin

The word 'attenuated' comes from the Latin verb 'attenuare', meaning 'to make thin'. This is derived from the prefix 'ad-' meaning 'to' or 'toward' and 'tenuare', which comes from 'tenuis' meaning 'thin'. The term entered English in the late 16th century, gradually gaining prominence in both scientific and colloquial usage. Initially, it was applied more broadly to physical properties like sound and light but has become particularly associated with biology and medicine. Over the years, attenuated has evolved to describe not just physical thinning but also a reduction of potency, virulence, or intensity in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,092, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.