Meaning & Definition of word "Reduction"

Reduction

/rɪˈdʌkʃən/

noun:

  • 1. the action or fact of making a specified thing smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
    • Example: The reduction in funding caused several programs to be cut.
  • 2. a decrease in the quantity of something.
    • Example: The city reported a significant reduction in crime rates over the past year.
  • 3. the process of simplifying or minimizing something.
    • Example: The reduction of complex data into easily digestible information was crucial for the presentation.
  • 4. a mathematical operation that involves decreasing the value of a function or quantity.
    • Example: A reduction in the fraction to its simplest form made calculations easier.
  • 5. in chemistry, the process of gaining electrons or decreasing oxidation state.
    • Example: The reduction of iron oxide to iron is a fundamental process in metallurgy.

Etymology

From Latin 'reductio', from 'reducere', meaning to lead back.

Common Phrases and Expressions

price reduction:

A decrease in the price of a product or service.

reduction in force:

A permanent layoff of employees, usually for economic reasons.

size reduction:

The process of making an object smaller in physical dimensions.

Related Words

reduce:

To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

reducible:

Capable of being reduced.

reductive:

Tending to reduce or lessen.

Slang Meanings of reduction

Meaning: Cut

Example Sentence: They gave me a cut on my order as part of a reduction.

Meaning: Break

Example Sentence: I'm gonna break the cost down for a reduction on this deal.