subtractive

adjective

sub·trac·tive | \səb-ˈtrak-tiv

Definition of subtractive

1 : tending to subtract

2 : constituting or involving subtraction

Examples of subtractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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. — Kyle Vanhemert, WIRED, "These Crazy Guns Shoot Pewter, Plastic, and Paper Mache," 25 June 2013 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. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Man Gets Three Years In Prison for Selling CNC Milled Gun Parts," 20 Feb. 2017

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.

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