Plain English Meaning

Made weaker. The radar signal loses some of its power as it travels out and back, especially when it has to pass through rain, clouds, or other obstacles.

Full Definition

Reduced in strength or intensity. In radar use, a signal is attenuated when its energy is weakened as it travels through the atmosphere, passes through precipitation, or is partially absorbed or scattered by objects in its path, resulting in a weaker return at the receiver.

Context Anchor

Seen in primary radar discussions when explaining why a radar signal or target display may become weaker with distance, weather, or objects in the signal path.