reduction

noun

re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce reduction (audio)
1
: the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced
2
a
: something made by reducing
b
: the amount by which something is reduced
3
[Spanish reducción, 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
reductional
ri-ˈdək-shnəl How to pronounce reduction (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the wildfires in L.A. have lent a new sense of urgency to efforts by the firefighter union, to argue that any reductions at the department could pose disastrous consequences. Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025 With only three of four tubes available for the next few years, there will be a 25% reduction in Penn Station access and capacity. Larry Penner, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025 For example, if a key license terminates upon a change of control, the buyer may seek a substantial purchase price reduction or walk away from the deal altogether if such a provision is not waived by the licensor. Allbusiness, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 The significant reduction in cabling is also a big plus, helping to keep down the clutter on and around your computer. PCMAG, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reduction 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near reduction

Cite this Entry

“Reduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reduction. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

reduction

noun
re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce reduction (audio)
1
: the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced
2
a
: something made by reducing
b
: the amount by which something is reduced in price
3
: meiosis
especially : halving of the chromosome number in the reduction division
reductive
-ˈdək-tiv
adjective

Medical Definition

reduction

noun
re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce reduction (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on reduction

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