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.
However, the current geopolitical situation and lessons learned from the Russian invasion of Ukraine means that this reduction must be met with maintaining or even improving the capabilities of each individual British asset. David Szondy, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2024 Leaders who prioritize debt reduction as part of their digital transformation efforts ensure their organizations remain competitive in an ever-changing market. Shyam Alok, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Switzerland became the first major economy to loosen its reins on monetary policy in March, implementing four reductions this year in the battle to tame the national currency’s appreciation and declines in consumer prices. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024 While the Fed is still expected to cut, a booming November jobs report and turnarounds in consumer confidence may give the bank reason to delay future reductions in interest rates. Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 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 21 Dec. 2024.

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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