extenuation

The action or process of making or becoming thin; an instance of this; a shrunken condition; leanness, emaciation.

(of air, obsolete) Making less dense; rarefaction.

(obsolete) The action or process of making slender or diminishing in bulk; an instance of this.

(obsolete) The action of making less or weak; and instance of this; a weakening, impoverishment. Also, mitigation (of blame or punishment).

The action of representing (something) as slight and trifling; underrating; an instance of this, a plea to this end; a modification in terms.

The action of lessening, or seeking to lessen, the guilt of (an offence or fault) by alleging partial excuses; and instance or means of doing this; a plea in mitigation of censure.

(US, humorous, in the plural as “extenuations”) Thin garments.