subtractive

[ suhb-trak-tiv ]

/ səbˈtræk tɪv /

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adjective

tending to subtract; having power to subtract.

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

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Origin of subtractive

First recorded in 1680–90; subtract + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM subtractive

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

Words nearby subtractive

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use subtractive in a sentence

When subjects were explicitly told that removing bricks was free and had no effect on their pay, the share opting for the subtractive solution rose to only 60 percent.
Humans solve problems by adding complexity, even when it’s against our best interests|Christopher Ingraham|April 16, 2021|Washington Post
The correction is additive for all temperatures above 62°, and subtractive for temperatures below 62°.
A Treatise on Meteorological Instruments|Henry Negretti
The correction is additive for temperatures above 62°, and subtractive for temperatures below 62°.
A Treatise on Meteorological Instruments|Henry Negretti
These quantities are additive for years after 1800, and subtractive for years before that epoch.
Astrology|Sepharial

The first number should be additive, the second subtractive, etc.
Visual Signaling|Signal Corps United States Army
The chief mixtures of two of the "additive" primaries produce the "subtractive" primaries.
Artificial Light|M. Luckiesh

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

Scientific 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.