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

• 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

Noninvasive fat reduction procedures are down 40%, the data equivalent of a free fall. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 11 July 2025

Average premiums may rise 75% The average marketplace enrollee saved $705 in 2024 — a 44% reduction in premium costs — because of the enhanced tax credits, according to a November analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 11 July 2025

The physiological impacts of cold water, such as muscle failure, loss of coordination, and rapid reduction in core body temperature, can result in drowning. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Our best for autofocus, the Sony A7R V is on sale for $3200, a massive $1000 reduction from Amazon's listing price. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 July 2025

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

Rhymes for reduction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• seduction

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