dilution
UK[daɪˈluːʃn]US[daɪˈluːʃn]
n
the action of making a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.
n
the reduction in the value of a shareholding due to the issue of additional shares.
Morpheme Breakdown
di
lut
ion
di
apart, away
lut
wash
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'dilution' originates from the latin verb 'diluere', meaning 'to wash away' or 'to dissolve'. this verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'dis-' (apart) and 'luere' (to wash). the core concept of washing something away or thinning it by washing evolved into the general scientific and financial meaning of making something less concentrated or potent. the suffix '-ion' was added to form a noun describing the process or result of this action, completing the journey from the literal act of washing apart to the modern abstract concepts of reducing concentration or share value.
Analysis
Structure: di (apart, away) + lut (wash) + ion (noun suffix)
di- (prefix from latin 'dis-', meaning apart, asunder); lut (root from latin 'luere', a variant of 'lavare', meaning to wash); -ion (noun-forming suffix from latin '-ionem', indicating an action or process).
Examples
the dilution of the acid with water must be done carefully.
the company's stock price fell due to fears of shareholder dilution.
the chef warned against the dilution of the sauce's flavor by adding too much stock.