verb , adjective
/ daɪˈluːt; NAmE ; BrE also -ˈljuːt/
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
dilute sth (with sth) to make a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid to it
SYN water down :
The paint can be diluted with water to make a lighter shade.
2.
to make sth weaker or less effective
SYN water down :
Large classes dilute the quality of education that children receive.
► di·lu·tion / daɪˈluːʃn; NAmE ; BrE also -ˈljuːʃn/ noun [ U ]:
the dilution of sewage
This is a serious dilution of their election promises.
■ adjective
(also di·luted ) ( of a liquid ) made weaker by adding water or another substance :
a dilute acid / solution
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from Latin dilut- washed away, dissolved, from the verb diluere .