di·lu·tion /dī-'lü-shən, də-/ n
1: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth; specif: a decrease of the value per share of common stock caused by an increase in the total number of shares
2: a lessening of the value of a trademark that is caused by use of the mark by another and that creates potential confusion on the part of the consumer
3: a weakening of the voting rights of a group of citizens (as a minority) because the representatives they elect have no greater legislative power than the representatives elected by smaller voting groups
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.