subtraction

[suhb-trak-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of subtracting.

2. Mathematics.,  the operation or process of finding the difference between two numbers or quantities, denoted by a minus sign (−).

subtraction

/ səbˈtrækʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of subtracting

2. a mathematical operation in which the difference between two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually indicated by the symbol (–)

subtraction

1. The operation of finding the difference between two numbers or quantities.

Other Word Forms

• nonsubtraction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtraction¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin subtractiōn- (stem of subtractiō ) a withdrawing, equivalent to subtract ( us ) ( subtract ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

But here’s the catch: Adaptations are primarily about subtraction.

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That would then lead to a larger BGA subtraction from the funds given to the Scottish government.

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“Marketplace is undergoing a rationalization, addition by subtraction, as we reduce our exposure while the risk pool stabilizes,” Zubretsky said, according to a FactSet transcript.

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As I spent an embarrassing length of time trying to force my brain to perform subtraction, all I could think was that I wanted to flee the increasingly stuffy room.

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Great songwriting is about compression, and the element of subtraction distills what Bono clearly considers to be the most important elements of his life into 90 minutes.

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