Main Entry: ex·ten·u·ate

Pronunciation: \ik-ˈsten-yə-ˌwāt, -yü-ˌāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ex·ten·u·at·ed; ex·ten·u·at·ing

Etymology: Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare, from ex- + tenuis thin — more at thin

Date: 1529

1 a archaic : to make light of b : to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses : mitigate <extenuating circumstances> c obsolete : disparage
2 a archaic : to make thin or emaciated b : to lessen the strength or effect of

— ex·ten·u·a·tor \-ˌ(w)ā-tər\ noun

— ex·ten·u·a·to·ry \-(w)ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective