Definition of subtractive
1
:tending to subtract
2
:constituting or involving subtraction
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Recent Examples of subtractive from the Web
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Mills use a subtractive method, starting with a block of solid materials like Crowninshield's blanks and removing all the parts that are not needed.
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The unusual tools were born out of the designer’s interest in new means of making, specifically ones involving additive techniques, like those used in 3D printing, as opposed to traditional subtractive methods.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subtractive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of subtractive
1690
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See words that rhyme with subtractive Britannica English: Translation of subtractive for Arabic speakers
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