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 With a market cap of $59 billion, that’s a huge dilution for existing shareholders. Peter Green, Quartz, 30 Sep. 2024 The sorting is by growth in revenue per share, since a boost in revenue made possible by a dilution of the share base doesn’t do much good for investors. William Baldwin, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024 Typically, the dilution ratio for liquid bluing is ¼ teaspoon to 1 quart of water, but always consult the usage guidelines on the bottle, as instructions vary from brand to brand. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024 But because units are not standardized across the field, a less-than-reputable place theoretically could (and often does) offer lower prices using a markedly lower dilution and consumers would never know the difference. Danielle Cohen, Allure, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for dilution 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dilution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near dilution

Cite this Entry

“Dilution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilution. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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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