[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.]