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subtractive

 - 3 dictionary results

sub⋅trac⋅tive

  [suhb-trak-tiv]
Use subtractive in a Sentence
–adjective
1. tending to subtract; having power to subtract.
2. Mathematics. (of a quantity) that is to be subtracted; having the minus sign (−).
Origin:
1680–90; subtract + -ive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To subtractive
sub·trac·tive   (səb-trāk'tĭv)   
adj.  

  1. Producing or involving subtraction.

    1. Of or being a color produced by light passing through or reflecting off a colorant, such as a filter or pigment, that absorbs certain wavelengths and transmits or reflects others. See Table at color.

    2. Of or being any of the subtractive colors cyan, magenta, or yellow.

  3. Of or being a photographic process that produces a positive image by superposing or mixing substances that selectively absorb colored light.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
subtractive   (səb-trāk'tĭv)  Pronunciation Key 

  1. 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.

  2. Marked by or involving subtraction.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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