dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (such as a solution) that is diluted

3

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth

specifically : a decrease of per share value of common stock by an increase in the total number of shares

Examples of dilution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But bull sharks have a unique ability with their kidneys, liver, gills and rectal gland to not only have tremendous variation in the amount of salt and wastes they excrete, but in the dilution of those wastes. —Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 16 July 2024

In the studies analyzed, lavender oil in aromatherapy was done through massage or directly inhaled after dilution — for example, putting the oil on a cotton ball that was kept around the patient’s collar for 20 minutes. —Trisha Pasricha, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

The site suggests a dilution strength of one part bleach to four parts water for regular cleaning and disinfecting, and a one-to-two ratio if necessary. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2024

According to McAfee, the milk initially tested clean due to the dilution effect of being mixed with the healthy milk from the rest of the herd. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Medical Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Legal Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth

specifically : a decrease of the value per share of common stock caused by an increase in the total number of shares

2

: a lessening of the value of a trademark that is caused by use of the mark by another and that creates potential confusion on the part of the consumer

3

: a weakening of the voting rights of a group of citizens (as a minority) because the representatives they elect have no greater legislative power than the representatives elected by smaller voting groups