subtractive
Mathematics. (of a quantity) that is to be subtracted; having the minus sign (−).
Origin of subtractive
1Other words from subtractive
- non·sub·trac·tive, adjective
- non·sub·trac·tive·ly, adverb
- un·sub·trac·tive, adjective
Words Nearby subtractive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use subtractive in a sentence
When subjects were explicitly told that removing bricks was free and had no effect on their pay, the share opting for the subtractive solution rose to only 60 percent.
Humans solve problems by adding complexity, even when it’s against our best interests | Christopher Ingraham | April 16, 2021 | Washington PostThe correction is additive for all temperatures above 62°, and subtractive for temperatures below 62°.
A Treatise on Meteorological Instruments | Henry NegrettiThe correction is additive for temperatures above 62°, and subtractive for temperatures below 62°.
A Treatise on Meteorological Instruments | Henry NegrettiThese quantities are additive for years after 1800, and subtractive for years before that epoch.
Astrology | SepharialThe first number should be additive, the second subtractive, etc.
Visual Signaling | Signal Corps United States Army
The chief mixtures of two of the "additive" primaries produce the "subtractive" primaries.
Artificial Light | M. Luckiesh
British Dictionary definitions for subtractive
/ (səbˈtræktɪv) /
able or tending to remove or subtract
indicating or requiring subtraction; having a minus sign: –x is a subtractive quantity
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for subtractive
[ səb-trăk′tĭv ]
Relating to the production of color by the blocking or removal of varying wavelengths, as with colored filters, or by the mixing of pigments that absorb certain wavelengths and reflect others.♦ The subtractive primaries cyan, magenta, and yellow are those colors whose wavelengths can be filtered or absorbed in different proportions to produce all other colors. Compare additive. See Note at color.
Marked by or involving subtraction.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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