attenuate
1. at.ten.u.ate \*-'ten-y*-.wa-t\ \*-.ten-y*-'wa--sh*n\ vb [L attenuatus, pp. of attenuare to make thin, fr. ad- + te]nuis thin - more at THIN 1: to make thin or slender 2: to lessen the amount, force, or value of : WEAKEN 3: to reduce the severity, virulence, or vitality of 4: to make thin in consistency : RAREFY : to become thin, fine, or less - at.ten.u.a.tion n 2. at.ten.u.ate \*-'ten-y*-w*t\ aj 1: ATTENUATED 2: tapering gradually usu. to a long slender point {~ leaves}