1 reduction | Definition of reduction

reduction

noun
re路​duc路​tion | \ ri-藞d蓹k-sh蓹n How to pronounce reduction (audio) \

Definition of reduction

1 : the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced
2a : something made by reducing
b : the amount by which something is reduced
3 [ Spanish reducci贸n, from Latin reduction-, reductio ] : a South American Indian settlement directed by Jesuit missionaries
4 : meiosis sense 2 specifically : production of the gametic chromosome number in the first meiotic division

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Other Words from reduction

reductional \ ri-​藞d蓹k-​shn蓹l How to pronounce reductional (audio) , -​sh蓹-​n岬妉 \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for reduction

Synonyms

abatement, deduction, discount

Antonyms

accession, addition

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Examples of reduction in a Sentence

a drastic reduction in size Many voters want to see some reduction of the deficit. There is a 20 percent reduction on selected items during this sale.
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Recent Examples on the Web

And the reductions might be smaller than anticipated. Andy Benoit, SI.com, "Can Jacksonville Succeed With Gardner Minshew Under Center?," 10 Sep. 2019 The ratings reduction was a new blow to Hong Kong officials, who are trying to boost an economy that was already slowing before the protests dented the territory鈥檚 tourism and retail industries. Kin Cheung, BostonGlobe.com, "Protests flare in Hong Kong despite bill鈥檚 withdrawal," 6 Sep. 2019 The ratings reduction was a new blow to Hong Kong officials, who are trying to boost an economy that was already slowing before the protests dented the territory's tourism and retail industries. Kin Cheung, chicagotribune.com, "Protests continue in Hong Kong despite government鈥檚 promise to kill a proposed law that sparked months of demonstrations," 6 Sep. 2019 Crime reduction is not something that is going to be haphazard. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, "Beat by beat, street by street, Birmingham police use algorithms to fight crime in age of analytics," 6 Sep. 2019 Even if the 15% reduction is more of an aspiration, substantial reductions may be difficult for some state agencies. James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, "Internal Dunleavy administration document suggests more budget cuts to come," 6 Sep. 2019 This reduction in muscle performance is likely due to decreased muscle elasticity. Sherri Leimkuhler, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Leimkuhler: Dymanic stretching decreases injuries," 31 Aug. 2019 Furthermore, the reductions in U.S. emissions were largely due not to government mandates but to the shale revolution. Robert Bryce, National Review, "Why Climate Action Flopped at the G-7," 26 Aug. 2019 Mayor Barbara Krull said the tax reduction was possible because the city recently paid off its debts and has been financially conservative. Martin E. Comas, orlandosentinel.com, "Most local governments propose same tax rate but will get a windfall thanks to soaring property values," 16 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reduction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of reduction

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for reduction

Middle English reduccion restoration, from Middle French reducion, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin reduction-, reductio reduction (in a syllogism), from Latin, restoration, from reducere

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More Definitions for reduction

reduction

noun

English Language Learners Definition of reduction

: the act of making something smaller in size, amount, number, etc. : the act of reducing something
: an amount by which something is reduced

reduction

noun
re路​duc路​tion | \ ri-藞d蓹k-sh蓹n How to pronounce reduction (audio) \

Kids Definition of reduction

1 : the act of making something smaller or less : the state of being made smaller or less a reduction in noise
2 : the amount by which something is made smaller or less

reduction

noun
re路​duc路​tion | \ ri-藞d蓹k-sh蓹n How to pronounce reduction (audio) \

Medical Definition of reduction

1 : the replacement or realignment of a body part in normal position or restoration of a bodily condition to normal
2 : the process of reducing by chemical or electrochemical means
3 : the psychological diminishment of emotion or needs through activity or adjustment
4 : meiosis specifically : production of the gametic chromosome number in the first meiotic division

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