attenuant

[uh-ten-yoo-uhnt]

noun

1. a medicine or agent that thins the blood.

attenuant

/ əˈtɛnjʊənt /

adjective

1. causing dilution or thinness, esp of the blood

noun

1. obsolete,  an attenuant drug or agent

Word History and Origins

Origin of attenuant¹

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

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

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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.

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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.

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Antonyms: See lazy. dillydally, v. dawdle, dally, fritter, trifle, loiter. dillydallying, n. dawdling, loitering, trifling, dalliance. dilute, v. attenuate, thin, weaken, reduce. diluter, n. diluent, attenuant. dilution, n. attenuation, thinning, reduction. dim, a. obscure, indistinct, faint, sullied, blurred.

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Associated words: attenuant, diluent. thin-skinned, a. leptodermic; sensitive, impressible, irritable. third, a. tertiary. thirst, n. dryness, aridity, drought.

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