Definition of: diminish

(di·min′ish) v.t.
1. To make smaller or less; lessen; decrease.
2. Music To lessen (an interval) by a half–step.
—v.i.
3. To grow or become smaller or less; dwindle; decrease. See synonyms under ABATE, IMPAIR, RETRENCH. [Fusion of ME diminuen lessen (<OF diminuer <L diminuere <de- down + minuere lessen <minus less) and ME menusen <OF menusier MINISH]
—di·min′ish·a·ble adjective