ikˌstenyəˈwāshən, (ˌ)ekˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin extenuation-, extenuatio, from extenuatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act of extenuating or state of being extenuated ; especially : partial justification
there is surely much to be said in extenuation of it — Stewart Cockburn
2. : something that extenuates ; especially : a partial excuse
it was a comfort to him, this extenuation — Audrey Barker