dilute

[dih-loot, dahy-; adj. also dahy-loot] /dɪˈlut, daɪ-; adj. also ˈdaɪ lut/
verb (used with object), diluted, diluting.
1.
to make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by the addition of water or the like.
2.
to make fainter, as a color.
3.
to reduce the strength, force, or efficiency of by admixture.
verb (used without object), diluted, diluting.
4.
to become diluted.
adjective
5.
reduced in strength, as a chemical by admixture; weak:
a dilute solution.
Origin
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)
Related forms
diluter, dilutor, noun
dilutive, adjective
antidilutive, adjective
overdilute, verb, overdiluted, overdiluting.
undilute, adjective
undiluted, adjective
undiluting, adjective
Can be confused
dilate, dilute.
Synonyms
3. weaken, temper, mitigate, diminish.
Examples from the web for diluted
  • For an extra boost during the growing season, give plants a shot of water-soluble fertilizer, diluted according to directions.
  • In the brine, this can be diluted to one part vinegar, one part water.
  • Using blank parchment he cut from an old rent roll, he used ink diluted with bookbinders' chemicals to write a new deed.
  • After the inevitable accident, the experience would become totally diluted or be forced to shut down.
  • Moreover, as families mingle and fracture over generations, ownership becomes diluted along with the bloodline.
  • Remove onion, thicken gravy with flour diluted with cold water, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove meat, thicken stock remaining in pan with flour diluted with enough cold water to pour easily.
  • Dip in egg slightly beaten and diluted with one tablespoon water.
  • Thicken stock with one-third cup flour diluted with enough cold water to pour easily.
  • Thicken with one-fourth cup flour, diluted with enough cold water to pour easily.
British Dictionary definitions for diluted

dilute

/daɪˈluːt/
verb
1.
to make or become less concentrated, esp by adding water or a thinner
2.
to make or become weaker in force, effect, etc: he diluted his story
adjective
3.
(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 water: dilute acetic acid
Derived Forms
dilutee, noun
diluter, noun
Word Origin
C16: from Latin dīluere, from dis- apart + -luere, from lavāre to wash
Word Origin and History for diluted

dilute

v.

1550s, from Latin dilutus, past participle of diluere "dissolve, wash away, dilute," from dis- "apart" + -luere, comb. form of lavere "to wash" (see lave). Related: Diluted; diluting. As an adjective from c.1600.

diluted in Medicine

dilute di·lute (dī-lōōt', dĭ-)
v. di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing, di·lutes
To reduce a solution or mixture in concentration, quality, strength, or purity, as by adding water. adj.
Thinned or weakened by diluting.

di·lu'tive adj.