dilute
[ dih-loot, dahy-; adjective dahy-loot ]
/ dɪˈlut, daɪ-; adjective ˈdaɪ lut /
verb (used with object), di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing.
to make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by the addition of water or the like.
to make fainter, as a color.
to reduce the strength, force, or efficiency of by admixture.
verb (used without object), di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing.
to become diluted.
adjective
reduced in strength, as a chemical by admixture; weak: a dilute solution.
Origin of dilute
1545–55; < Latin
dīlūtus washed away, dissolved (past participle of
dīluere), equivalent to
dī-
di-2 +
-lūtus, combining form of
lautus (
lav(ere) to wash +
-tus past participle suffix)
OTHER WORDS FROM dilute
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH dilute
dilate diluteWords nearby dilute
dilly-dally,
dillydally,
diltiazem,
diltiazem hydrochloride,
diluent,
dilute,
dilution,
diluvial,
diluvialism,
diluvium,
dim
Example sentences from the Web for dilute
British Dictionary definitions for dilute
dilute
/ (daɪˈluːt) /
verb
to make or become less concentrated, esp by adding water or a thinner
to make or become weaker in force, effect, etc
he diluted his story
adjective
chem
- (of a solution, suspension, mixture, etc) having a low concentration or a concentration that has been reduced by admixture
- (of a substance) present in solution, esp a weak solution in waterdilute acetic acid
Derived forms of dilute
dilutee, noun diluter, nounWord Origin for dilute
C16: from Latin
dīluere, from
dis- apart +
-luere, from
lavāre to wash
Medical definitions for dilute
dilute
[ dī-lōōt′, dĭ- ]
v.
To reduce a solution or mixture in concentration, quality, strength, or purity, as by adding water.
adj.
Thinned or weakened by diluting.