attenuator

American  

[uh-ten-yoo-ey-ter] / əˈtɛn yuˌeɪ tər /

noun

Electronics.

1. a device for decreasing the amplitude of an electronic signal.

---

attenuator British  

/ əˈtɛnjʊˌeɪtə /

noun

1. physics any device designed to reduce the power of a wave or electrical signal without distorting it

2. a person or thing that attenuates

---

Etymology

Origin of attenuator

First recorded in 1920–25; attenuate + -or ²

Example Sentences

The team was accused of stuffing and smoothing the seams of the rear attenuator, a part that is standard for all teams and therefore cannot be modified.

From Los Angeles Times

The new 0.6-mile route replaces one general traffic lane of West Marginal Way Southwest with waist-high concrete dividers for the two-way bike lane, along with yellow-and-black steel attenuators that prevent drivers from impaling their cars.

From Seattle Times

The race ended under a caution that started with five laps left as Sato’s teammate, Spencer Pigot, crashed hard in turn four and destroyed the attenuator at the end of the pit row wall.

From Fox News

After a Toyota Prius crashed into it two months earlier, the length of the attenuator was shortened, offering less protection against the three-foot-tall concrete median wall behind it.

From Los Angeles Times

The attenuator is designed to absorb crash forces before a vehicle hits a concrete median barrier.

From Reuters