Definition

A device used to reduce the strength of an electrical signal without causing significant distortion.

Example

The engineer installed an attenuator to ensure the signal remained clear and strong.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an attenuator?

Yeah, I think it's used to reduce signal strength in audio equipment.

Exactly! I need one to fix my sound system.

That sounds like a smart move; it should help improve the quality.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Attenuator → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "tenuare" (meaning to make thin or weaken), combined with the suffix "-or" (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word "attenuator" refers to something that makes something else thinner or weaker, often in the context of reducing signal strength.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'makes thin' ('tenuare') or 'weakens' a signal, as the prefix 'ad-' means to direct towards. This helps you remember that an attenuator is a device that reduces the strength of a signal.

Visually Confused Words