degression

American  

[dih-gresh-uhn] / dɪˈgrɛʃ ən /

noun

1. a downward movement; descent.

2. the decrease in rate in degressive taxation.

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degression British  

/ dɪˈɡrɛʃən /

noun

1. a decrease by stages

2. a gradual decrease in the tax rate on amounts below a specified sum

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Etymology

Origin of degression

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin dēgressiōn- (stem of dēgressiō ) descent, equivalent to Latin degred- (stem of dēgredī to go down, descend; dē- de- + -gredī, combining form of gradī to step, walk) + -tiōn- -tion

Example Sentences

The actual rates for the heavier parcels are probably more profitable than the rates for light parcels, since the principle of degression is not much recognized in the scale of rates.

From The Development of Rates of Postage An Historical and Analytical Study by Smith, A. D.

To return from this degression: it is concluded, from very ample experience, that cathartic medicines are of the greatest service, and ought to be considered as an indispensable remedy in cases of insanity.

From Observations on Insanity With Practical Remarks on the Disease and an Account of the Morbid Appearances on Dissection by Haslam, John