Reduction
a word with several applications, as: (1) the act or process of reducing to any state or condition; the state of being reduced; as, the reduction of a substance to powder. (2) the act of reducing or bringing into subjection; conquest, subjugation; as, the reduction of a kingdom or fortress. (3) the act of reducing or diminishing in size, dimensions, value, quantity, force, etc., diminution, abatement; as, the reduction of expenses, the reduction of forces. (4) the amount, value, quantity, etc., by which anything is reduced or lessened; as, he made a reduction of 5 per cent. (5) the act or process of making a copy of a figure, map, plan, design, etc., on a smaller scale than the original, but preserving the form and proportion.