subtractive

[ suh b-trak-tiv ]

/ səbˈtræk tɪv /

adjective

tending to subtract; having power to subtract.

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

Nearby words

subtorrid, subtotal, subtotal hysterectomy, subtract, subtraction, subtractive, subtractive color, subtractive process, subtrahend, subtreasury, subtropical

Origin of subtractive

First recorded in 1680–90; subtract + -ive

Related forms

non·sub·trac·tive, adjectivenon·sub·trac·tive·ly, adverbun·sub·trac·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for subtractive

These quantities are additive for years after 1800, and subtractive for years before that epoch.
Astrology|Sepharial
The chief mixtures of two of the "additive" primaries produce the "subtractive" primaries.
Artificial Light|M. Luckiesh
The additive and subtractive methods are chiefly involved, but there is another method which is an "averaging" additive one.
Artificial Light|M. Luckiesh
These primaries are red, green, and blue and it will be noted that they are the complementaries of the "subtractive" primaries.
Artificial Light|M. Luckiesh

The first number should be additive, the second subtractive, etc.
Visual Signaling|Signal Corps United States Army

British Dictionary definitions for subtractive

subtractive

/ (səbˈtræktɪv) /

adjective

able or tending to remove or subtract

indicating or requiring subtraction; having a minus sign–x is a subtractive quantity

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for subtractive

subtractive

[ səb-trăk′tĭv ]

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.♦ 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. Compare additive. See Note at color.

Marked by or involving subtraction.