reduction

noun

re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən 

1

: the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced

2

a

: something made by reducing

b

: the amount by which something is reduced

3

[Spanish reducción, from Latin reduction-, reductio] : a South American Indian settlement directed by Jesuit missionaries

4

: meiosis sense 2

specifically : production of the gametic chromosome number in the first meiotic division

reductional

ri-ˈdək-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• abatement
• deduction
• discount

Examples of reduction in a Sentence

a drastic reduction in size

Many voters want to see some reduction of the deficit.

There is a 20 percent reduction on selected items during this sale.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most cited cost reduction as the reason for the layoffs. —Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024

The mercury could temporarily drop a few degrees during the actual eclipse because of the reduction in solar radiation, said Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024

Much of that crude is being sent to Europe, to replace reductions in Russian supplies, and to Asia. —The Arizona Republic, 5 Apr. 2024

The agreement with the gangs, which the administration denies making, involved handing out financial incentives, prison benefits, and protection from extradition in exchange for electoral support and a general reduction in homicides. —Danielle MacKey, The New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2024

Despite New York City’s industry safety standards, the report noted a reduction of inspections and agency enforcement as deaths have increased. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 4 Apr. 2024

Humes not only provides solutions for waste reduction, but also emphasizes the significant roles people can play as individuals in creating a cleaner future, empowering us with the knowledge that our actions matter. —Abc News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2024

Since the laws of nature cannot be cheated, further reductions must come from using different fuels. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Szabo has been arguing for the reductions for several weeks, saying they’re needed at a time when the mayor and council are giving, or expected to give, pay increases to police officers, firefighters and civilian workers represented by the Coalition of L.A. City Unions. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reduccion restoration, from Middle French reducion, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin reduction-, reductio reduction (in a syllogism), from Latin, restoration, from reducere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reduction

• oxidation-reduction
• reduction division
• reduction gear

Kids Definition

reduction

noun

re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən 

1

: the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced

2

a

: something made by reducing

b

: the amount by which something is reduced in price

3

: meiosis

especially : halving of the chromosome number in the reduction division

reductive

-ˈdək-tiv

adjective

Medical Definition

reduction

noun

re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən 

1

: the replacement or realignment of a body part in normal position or restoration of a bodily condition to normal

2

: the process of reducing by chemical or electrochemical means

3

: the psychological diminishment of emotion or needs through activity or adjustment

4

: meiosis

specifically : production of the gametic chromosome number in the first meiotic division