subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce subtraction (audio)
: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as
a
: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled
b
: the operation of deducting one number from another

Examples of subtraction in a Sentence

The children are learning addition and subtraction. the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order
Recent Examples on the Web Remarkably, the rudimentary tools that the ancient Greeks used to draw their geometric diagrams perfectly match the natural operations of modern-day algebra: addition (+), subtraction (–), multiplication (x), division (/) and taking square roots (√). Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024 Cases of addition by subtraction on the roster are sort of rare. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2024 The ramp subtraction did more than just create fresh fan entrances, open atriums and oceans of vertical space. Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Since modular subtraction is associative, that also means that se − m mod n ≡ 0. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subtraction 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subtraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtraction was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near subtraction

Cite this Entry

“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

subtraction

noun
sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce subtraction (audio)
1
: an act or instance of subtracting
2
: the operation of deducting one number from another

More from Merriam-Webster on subtraction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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