̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈwāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin attenuation-, attenuatio, from attenuatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or process of attenuating
the treble can stand a little attenuation — P.H.Lang
: the state of being attenuated
the city of Duluth shows an … attenuation between Lake Superior and the uplands — C.L.White & G.T.Renner
as
a. : diminution of thickness : thinning , emaciation
the patient shows the attenuation characteristic of that disease
b. : diminution of density
attenuation of a country's population
c. : diminution of force or intensity : weakening
attenuation of the volume of sound
2. : a decrease in the pathogenicity or vitality of a microorganism or in the severity of a disease
3. : the diminution of density of wort resulting from its fermentation
4. : the decrease in amplitude of a wave or current with increasing distance from the source of transmission