attenuant

American  

[uh-ten-yoo-uhnt] / əˈtɛn yu ənt /

noun

1. a medicine or agent that thins the blood.

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attenuant British  

/ əˈtɛnjʊənt /

adjective

1. causing dilution or thinness, esp of the blood

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noun

1. obsolete an attenuant drug or agent

Etymology

Origin of attenuant

First recorded in 1595–1605, attenuant is from the Latin word attenuant- (stem of attenuāns thinning, present participle of attenuāre ). See at-, tenuis, -ant

Example Sentences

With respect to its being an attenuative of viscid humours, it can never possess this virtue from being a diluent, for an attenuant acts specially on the particles, by diminishing their bulk, while the diluent acts upon the whole mass of the fluid.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, the operation of an attenuant is not easily known; for many are surprised that a slight inflammation should be so difficult to dissipate.

From Project Gutenberg

In this only lies the difference between the old word fermentation, and the new word attenuation, every thing used as a ferment, or to promote fermentation, is attenuant.

From Project Gutenberg

L. E.—This root is a powerful stimulant and attenuant.

From Project Gutenberg

E.—Is antiseptic, attenuant, aperient, and diuretic, and is said to open obstructions of the viscera and remoter glands, without heating or irritating the system.

From Project Gutenberg