subtractive

[ suhb-trak-tiv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

tending to subtract; having power to subtract.
Mathematics. (of a quantity) that is to be subtracted; having the minus sign (−).

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 additiveSee Note at color
Marked by or involving subtraction.

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Other Words From

nonsub·tractive adjective
nonsub·tractive·ly adverb
unsub·tractive adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of subtractive¹

First recorded in 1680–90; subtract + -ive

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Example Sentences

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.

From Washington Post

The correction is additive for all temperatures above 62°, and subtractive for temperatures below 62°.

From Project Gutenberg

The correction is additive for temperatures above 62°, and subtractive for temperatures below 62°.

From Project Gutenberg

These quantities are additive for years after 1800, and subtractive for years before that epoch.

From Project Gutenberg

The first number should be additive, the second subtractive, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief mixtures of two of the "additive" primaries produce the "subtractive" primaries.

From Project Gutenberg

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subtraction subtractive color

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