reduce Definition

reduce
verb reduced, reducing

tr & intr
1. To make or become less, smaller, etc.

Thesaurus: lessen, diminish, cut down, decrease; curtail, abbreviate, abridge, condense, summarize, truncate; Antonym: boost, increase.
2. To change someone or something into a worse or less desirable state or form.

Example: reduced her to tears
3. military.
To lower the rank, status or grade of someone.
Example: reduce to the ranks
4. To bring someone into a state of obedience; to subdue.

Thesaurus: defeat, conquer, overcome, subjugate, subdue, crush, immobilize.
5. To make weaker or poorer.
6. To lower (the price of something).

Example: All prices were reduced by 20 per cent
intr
7. To lose weight by dieting.
8. To convert (a substance) into a simpler form.
9. To simplify something or make it more easily understood by considering only its essential elements.

Example: reduce the plan to four main points
tr & intr
10. cookery.
To thicken (a sauce) by slowly boiling off the excess liquid.
11. chem.
To cause (a substance) to undergo a chemical reaction whereby it gains hydrogen or loses oxygen.
12. math.
To convert (a fraction) to a form with the numerator and denominator as low in value as possible, eg &threeninths; to &onethird;.
13. metallurgy.
To convert (ore, etc) into metal.
14. photog.
To decrease the density of (a negative or print).
15. surgery.
To put back into a normal condition or position (eg an organ, dislocation or fracture).

Derivative: reducibility
noun

Derivative: reducible
adj

Etymology: 14c: from Latin reducere to lead back.