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 dilute

Example sentences from the Web for diluted

British Dictionary definitions for diluted

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
  1. (of a solution, suspension, mixture, etc) having a low concentration or a concentration that has been reduced by admixture
  2. (of a substance) present in solution, esp a weak solution in waterdilute acetic acid

Derived forms of dilute

dilutee, noun diluter, noun

Word Origin for dilute

C16: from Latin dīluere, from dis- apart + -luere, from lavāre to wash

Medical definitions for diluted

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.