Meaning & Definition of word "Reduction"

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    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.