v. (-ting) 1 make thin.

- reduce in force, value, etc. attenuation n. [latin tenuis thin]

—v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By to) 1 regard as belonging to, written or said by, etc. (a poem attributed to milton).

- ascribe to (a cause) (delays attributed to snow). —n. - esp. Characteristic quality ascribed to a person or thing.

- object symbolizing or appropriate to a person, office, or status. attributable adj. Attribution n. [latin tribuo allot]

n. - gradual wearing down (war of attrition).

- abrasion, friction. [latin tero trit- rub]

n. Plant with white or purple egg-shaped fruit used as a vegetable; eggplant. [french, ultimately from sanskrit]

n. (also aubretia) dwarf perennial rock-plant with purple or pink flowers. [aubriet, name of an artist]

adj. - daring, bold.

- impudent. audacity n. [latin audax bold]

n. (also audio tape) 1 a magnetic tape for recording sound. B a length of this.

- a sound recording on tape.

- n. (also audio tape) 1 a magnetic tape for recording sound. B a length of this.

- a sound recording on tape.

n. (pl. -ies) being austere; hardship.

adj. - of undisputed origin; genuine.

- reliable, trustworthy. authentically adv. Authenticity n. [greek authentikos]

n. (pl. -ies) 1 a power or right to enforce obedience. B (often foll. By for, or to + infin.) Delegated power.

- (esp. In pl.) Body having authority.

- influence based on recognized knowledge or expertise.

- expert. [latin auctoritas]