EXTEN'UATE, v.t. [L. extenuo; ex and tenuo, to make thin.]
1. To make thin, lean or slender. Sickness extenuates the body.2. To lessen; to diminish; as a crime or guilt.But fortune there extenuates the crime.3. To lessen in representation; to palliate; opposed to aggravate.4. To lessen or diminish in honor. [Little used.]5. To make thin or rare; opposed to condense. [Little used.]EXTEN'UATE, a. Thin; slender. [Not used.]