Attenuator: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in electronics and telecommunications to describe a device that reduces the power of a signal without distorting its waveform.

• The engineer installed an attenuator to manage the signal strength.
• An attenuator is essential for preventing equipment from overloading.

Typically used in audio equipment to describe a feature that allows users to adjust the sound level.

• Please lower the volume control; it's too loud in here.
• The new remote has a better volume control.

Often used in a more general sense to explain a device that lowers the signal level, commonly used in simpler explanations or consumer electronics.

• The signal reducer helped to regulate the input to the audio system.
• You might need a signal reducer if the signal is too strong for your device.

Used primarily in electronics and telecommunications to refer to a device or circuit that reduces the power of a signal without significantly altering its waveform.

• Installing an attenuator in the circuit helped to manage the signal strength effectively.
• The radio technician adjusted the attenuator to reduce interference.

Often used in contexts related to materials or systems that soak up energy, sound, or substances. Commonly seen in environmental science, acoustics, and engineering.

• The spill clean-up crew used an oil absorber to soak up the contamination.
• Acoustic panels serve as sound absorbers in the recording studio.

Generally used to describe something that decreases intensity or makes something less lively. Can refer to mechanisms that reduce vibrations or to things that lessen enthusiasm or excitement.

• The team installed a dampener on the bridge to minimize vibrations from traffic.
• The sudden rain acted as a dampener on our outdoor plans.