noun

attenuation

uh-ten-yoo-AY-shun/əˌtenjuˈeɪʃn/

A reduction in strength, intensity, or harmful activity.

The filter causes attenuation of the light beam passing through it.

Light beam becomes weaker beyond filter.

Etymology

atLatinto, toward

+tenuLatinthin

+ationLatinaction or process

The root meaning “thin” underlies a noun for the process of making something less. Early uses included bodily emaciation and dietary reduction; the same idea supports reduction in force or intensity.

In context

NPTEL IIT Bombay26:21

any sort of attenuation; attenuation means reduction in the properties of the input waves can be mapped with the response of the porous media.

Week 10-Lecture 45

More examples

Signal attenuation increased as the cable grew longer.
The glass caused a slight attenuation of the light.
The researchers measured attenuation of the organism's harmful activity.

Forms

attenuate verb — To reduce strength, intensity, or substance.

Similar words

weakening: Is a general term for losing strength or effectiveness.
damping: Often describes reduction of vibration or oscillation specifically.