rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -io
Latin

-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -io
  • -ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • -ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

302 / 371
noun

reduction

rih-DUK-shun/rɪˈdʌkʃn/

A decrease in amount or extent.

The second bowl shows a substantial reduction in the quantity of grapes.

Two bowls of grapes, one full and one with a distinctly reduced small portion.
Etymology
reLatinback, again; restoration or reversal
+ductLatinlead, guide, draw along
+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The original image was “leading back,” especially restoring something to a former state. The related sense of bringing something to a lower condition connects this with making it smaller or less.

In context

Rhesus Medicine3:19
there is also an increase in procoagulant factors and a reduction in anti-coagulants which generates a coagulopathy
Understanding Sepsis (Sepsis Explained Clearly)

More examples

  • The store offers price reductions on winter coats.
  • The redesign achieves a reduction in the number of steps.
  • A slow reduction thickens the sauce as water evaporates.

Forms

reduction · reductions

reduce verb — To make something smaller, less, or simpler.

Similar words

decrease
A general drop, without suggesting deliberate effort to cause it.
cut
Usually a deliberate reduction in spending, staff, or supply.