Main Entry: ¹di·lute

Pronunciation: \dī-ˈlüt, də-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): di·lut·ed; di·lut·ing

Etymology: Latin dilutus, past participle of diluere to wash away, dilute, from di- + lavere to wash — more at lye

Date: circa 1555

1 : attenuate
2 : to make thinner or more liquid by admixture <diluted wine>
3 : to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture <dilute a color>
4 : to decrease the per share value of (common stock) by increasing the total number of shares

— di·lut·er or di·lu·tor \-ˈlü-tər\ noun

— di·lu·tive \-ˈlü-tiv\ adjective