reduction

/ri'dʌkʃn/
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reduction

The chef demonstrates the reduction of a sauce in a pan.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The act or process of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size: "Reduction" refers to the action of decreasing something.
    • The amount by which something is made smaller: "Reduction" can also refer to the result or the specific amount of the decrease.
    • (Chemistry) A process in which a substance gains electrons, often accompanied by the loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen: This is a specific scientific meaning.
    • (Mathematics) The process of simplifying an expression or equation to a more basic form: This involves making something less complex.
Usage and Examples
  • General Decrease:
    • The company announced a 20% reduction in staff. (The company announced it was making its staff 20% smaller.)
    • We are working on noise reduction in the engine design. (We are working on making the engine's noise less.)
  • Price Decrease:
    • The store is offering a price reduction on all winter clothing. (The store is making the price of all winter clothing lower.)
  • Scientific Context:
    • In the chemical reaction, the reduction of the metal ion was observed. (In the chemical reaction, the process of the metal ion gaining electrons was observed.)
  • Simplifying Complexity:
    • The reduction of the complex data into a simple chart made it understandable. (The process of making the complex data simpler into a chart made it understandable.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Reduction to absurdity" (Reductio ad absurdum): A method of proving a statement is false by showing its logical consequence is absurd or contradictory.
    • The philosopher used reduction to absurdity to disprove the theory.
  • "Noise reduction": A technical term for making unwanted sound less.
    • These headphones feature active noise reduction.
Variants and Related Words
  • Reduce (verb): To make something smaller or less.
    • We need to reduce our expenses.
  • Reductive (adjective): Oversimplifying a complex issue.
    • His reductive analysis ignored important cultural factors.
  • Reducible (adjective): Able to be simplified or made smaller.
    • This problem is reducible to a simple equation.
Synonyms
  • Decrease: To become or make less.
  • Diminution: A formal term for a reduction in size, extent, or importance.
  • Cut: An often informal term for a reduction, especially in budget or staff.
  • Lessening: The action of making or becoming less.
Antonyms
  • Increase: To become or make greater in size, amount, or degree.
  • Expansion: The action of becoming larger or more extensive.
  • Augmentation: The action or process of making something greater.
Related Phrases and Compounds
  • Cost reduction: The process of lowering expenses.
  • Risk reduction: The lessening of potential danger or loss.
  • Reduction in force (RIF): A corporate term for permanent staff cuts.
  • Oxidation-reduction reaction (Redox): A chemical reaction involving both reduction and oxidation processes.
reduction

The chef demonstrates the reduction of a sauce in a pan.

Noun
  1. the act of reducing complexity
  2. any process in which electrons are added to an atom or ion (as by removing oxygen or adding hydrogen); always occurs accompanied by oxidation of the reducing agent
  3. the act of decreasing or reducing something