subtractive

[suhb-trak-tiv]

adjective

1. tending to subtract; having power to subtract.

2. Mathematics.,  (of a quantity) that is to be subtracted; having the minus sign (−).

subtractive

1. Relating to the production of color by the blocking or removal of varying wavelengths, as with colored filters, or by the mixing of pigments that absorb certain wavelengths and reflect others.

2. ◆ The subtractive primaries cyan, magenta, and yellow are those colors whose wavelengths can be filtered or absorbed in different proportions to produce all other colors.

3. Compare additive See Note at color

4. Marked by or involving subtraction.

Other Word Forms

• nonsubtractive adjective
• nonsubtractively adverb
• unsubtractive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtractive¹

First recorded in 1680–90; subtract + -ive