The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            Mix their watery store.
            With the chyle's current, and dilute it more.
                                                  --Blackmore.
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   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.
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            Lest these colors should be diluted and weakened by
            the mixture of any adventitious light. --Sir I.
                                                  Newton.
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