dim·i·nu·tion

[dim-uh-noo-shuhn, -nyoo-]
noun
1.
the act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction.
2.
Music. the repetition or imitation of a subject or theme in notes of shorter duration than those first used.

Origin:
1275–1325; Middle English diminucion < Anglo-French diminuciun < Latin dīminūtiōn- (stem of dīminūtiō), for dēminūtiōn- (stem of dēminūtiō) (by influence of dīmunuere; see diminish), equivalent to dēminūt(us) (past participle of dēminuere, equivalent to dē- de- + minuere to lessen) + -iōn- -ion

pre·dim·i·nu·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To diminution
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Diminution is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
Collins
World English Dictionary
diminution (ˌdɪmɪˈnjuːʃən) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  reduction; decrease
2.  music Compare augmentation the presentation of the subject of a fugue, etc, in which the note values are reduced in length
 
[C14: from Latin dēminūtiō; see diminish]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

diminution
c.1300, from Anglo-Fr. from diminuciun, Fr. diminution, from L. diminutionem, earlier deminutionem, noun of action from deminuere (see diminish).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Among the effects observed were a reduction in teasing and a diminution of
  destructiveness toward property.
It required accepting a possibility of success based on an inevitability of
  diminution.
Then there is the real or perceived diminution of mobility on the job market.
It was never my intention to be critical of the medical profession or to
  suggest a diminution of public confidence in physicians.
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