Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dilute \Di*lute"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Diluted}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Diluting}.] [L. dilutus, p. p. of diluere to wash away,
   dilute; di- = dis- + luere, equiv. to lavare to wash, lave.
   See {Lave}, and cf. {Deluge}.]
   1. To make thinner or more liquid by admixture with
      something; to thin and dissolve by mixing.

            Mix their watery store. With the chyle's current,
            and dilute it more.                   --Blackmore.

   2. To diminish the strength, flavor, color, etc., of, by
      mixing; to reduce, especially by the addition of water; to
      temper; to attenuate; to weaken.

            Lest these colors should be diluted and weakened by
            the mixture of any adventitious light. --Sir I.
                                                  Newton.