dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce dilution (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Possible theories include climate change, resource competition and the dilution of Neanderthals’ genes through interbreeding with modern humans’ ancestors. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025 There are stickers on lampposts in town with McKenna’s name in the shape of certain golden arches, and there seems to be no dilution of Suffolk belief in the 38-year-old Northern Irishman. Michael Walker, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 Poultry carcasses are immersed in cold water with a dilution of peroxyacetic acid. Will Stone, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025 Yet, while this may be a perfectly sound business decision, dilution of the stablecoin market would quite literally defeat the object of its existence. Charles Wayn, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dilution

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dilution was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dilution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilution. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

dilution

noun
di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce dilution (audio)
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- How to pronounce dilution (audio)
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- How to pronounce dilution (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on dilution

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