attenuator

[ uh-ten-yoo-ey-ter ]

noun

, Electronics.

1. a device for decreasing the amplitude of an electronic signal.

attenuator

/ əˈtɛnjʊˌeɪtə /

noun

1. physics any device designed to reduce the power of a wave or electrical signal without distorting it
2. a person or thing that attenuates

Word History and Origins

Origin of attenuator¹

First recorded in 1920–25; attenuate + -or ²