Reduction

/rɪˈdʌkʃən/ noun

Definition

Reduction is the act or process of making something smaller or less in amount, size, price, or importance.

Etymology

From Latin *reductio* meaning ‘a bringing back’, from *reducere* (to lead back), from *re-* (back) + *ducere* (to lead). It came to mean bringing something down to a smaller or simpler state.

Kelly Says

In cooking, a ‘reduction’ sauce is literally boiled down so water leaves and flavor is concentrated. In math and science, reduction often means stripping away extras so you can see the core of the problem.

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