v.
Pronunciation: ik- ' sten-y ə - ˌ w ā t, -yü- ˌ ā t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -at · ed ; -at · ing
Etymology: Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare, from ex- + tenuis thin ― more at THIN
Date: 1529
1 a archaic : to make light of b : to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses : MITIGATE < extenuating circumstances> c obsolete : DISPARAGE
2 a archaic : to make thin or emaciated b : to lessen the strength or effect of
– ex · ten · u · a · tor \ - ˌ (w) ā -t ə r \ noun
– ex · ten · u · a · to · ry \ -(w) ə - ˌ to ̇ r- ē \ adjective