decrement

[ dek-ruh-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act or process of decreasing; gradual reduction.
2. the amount lost by reduction.
3. Mathematics. a negative increment.
4. Physics. the ratio of amplitudes of a damped harmonic motion in the course of two successive oscillations.

decrement

/ ˈdɛkrɪmənt /

noun

1. the act of decreasing; diminution
2. maths a negative increment
3. physics a measure of the damping of an oscillator, expressed by the ratio of the amplitude of a cycle to its amplitude after one period
4. (of spectra) a sequence of related spectrum lines decaying in intensity, e.g. Balmer decay

Other Words From

• dec·re·men·tal [dek-r, uh, -, men, -tl], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrement¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin dēcrēmentum, equivalent to dēcrē(tus) ( decrease ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrement¹

C17: from Latin dēcrēmentum, from dēcrescere to decrease

Example Sentences

See an admirable statement of the three forms of decrement, in Hay, Trait de Minralogie, vol.

From Project Gutenberg

The decrement in the capacity of the grooves follows the proportion of 15 to 11.

From Project Gutenberg

It is perfectly intelligible that a progressive fatigue and decrement of the magnitude of contraction must ensue.

From Project Gutenberg

Evolution is the decrement of this difference between the purely formal and the actual.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet no intellect is able to perceive in any given lifetime the actual decrement of this angle.

From Project Gutenberg