Reduce
/rɪˈdjuːs/noun
To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Did you know?The term 'reduce' has roots in alchemical practices where substances were 'reduced' to their essential forms for transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
reducere
“to lead back, bring back”
Old French
Old French
reduire
“to lead back, bring under control”
Middle English
Middle English
redusen
“to bring back to a smaller size or amount”
Modern English
English
reduce
“to make smaller in size, amount, or degree”