subtraction

UK: /səbˈtrækʃ^ən/ US: (səb trak′shən)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sub•trac•tion  (səb trak′shən), n. 

1. an act or instance of subtracting.
2. Mathematics the operation or process of finding the difference between two numbers or quantities, denoted by a minus sign (-).

• Late Latin subtractiōn- (stem of subtractiō) a withdrawing, equivalent. to subtract(us) (see subtract) + -iōn- -ion
• Middle English 1350–1400

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

subtraction / səbˈtrækʃən/ noun

1. the act or process of subtracting
2. a mathematical operation in which the difference between two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually indicated by the symbol (–)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sub•tract /səbˈtrækt/   v. 

1. to take away, as a part from a whole, or one number from another: [~ + object]
   When you subtract the two numbers, what is the result?
   [~ + object + from + object]
   to subtract one number from another.
   [no object]
   Then you subtract; don't make the mistake of adding here.

sub•trac•tion, n. 

[uncountable] The class learned subtraction last year.

[countable] a subtraction in costs.

See -trac-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sub•tract  (səb trakt′), v.t. 

1. to withdraw or take away, as a part from a whole.
2. Mathematics to take (one number or quantity) from another;
   deduct.

v.i. 

3. to take away something or a part, as from a whole.

• Latin subtractus (past participle of subtrahere to draw away from underneath), equivalent. to sub- sub- + trac- (past participle stem of trahere to draw) + -tus past participle suffix
• 1530–40

sub•tract′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1, 3. Subtract, deduct express diminution in sum or quantity. To subtract suggests taking a part from a whole or a smaller from a larger:
  to subtract the tax from one's salary.
  To deduct is to take away an amount or quantity from an aggregate or total so as to lessen or lower it:
  to deduct a discount.
  Subtract is both transitive and intransitive, and has general or figurative uses; deduct is always transitive and usually concrete and practical in application.

Antonyms

• 1. –3. add.