dilute
[ dih-loot, dahy-; adjective also dahy-loot ]
/ dɪˈlut, daɪ-; adjective also ˈdaɪ lut /
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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.
OTHER WORDS FOR dilute
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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, diluteDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use dilute in a sentence
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, etche 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, noundiluter, nounWord Origin for dilute
C16: from Latin dīluere, from dis- apart + -luere, from lavāre to wash
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.