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

In one study, after consuming 3 grams (g) of oat beta-glucans daily, researchers saw a reduction in LDL cholesterol in participants.2 High magnesium, potassium, and iron levels in oats support cardiovascular function. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 16 July 2024

This is not the first time Warner Bros. Discovery has used a reduction in staff as a means to reduce costs. —Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 16 July 2024

Last year Gucci reached an overall 7 percent reduction of absolute greenhouse gas emissions combining scopes 1, 2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol compared to 2021, making progress toward a 40 percent absolute reduction target by 2035. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 15 July 2024

Taking the tariffs and the tax policy together, these households would see an annual reduction in their spending power equivalent to 1.4 per cent of its after-tax income. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 15 July 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