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

Brands walk a fine line, leveraging Squid Game's cultural cachet while risking the dilution of its message. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Based on results from a national wastewater dilution model, the authors calculated that PFAS discharges in wastewater may be permeating the drinking water supplies of as many as 23 million Americans. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025

One possible explanation for this is the dilution effect, which suggests that the prevalence of a pathogen can increase at a site if species richness is reduced—with land-use change being an obvious cause of species loss. —Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024

But Elfenbein declined to recommend a default judgment regarding Miami’s trademark dilution claim. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dīlūtiōn-, dīlūtiō, from Latin dīluere "to wash away, dissolve, make thinner by mixing with water" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at dilute entry 1

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