subtraction meaning

UK US /səbˈtrækʃən/ 3 syllables

subtraction (noun): an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated.

subtraction has 2 meanings in this dictionary.

subtraction as a noun

  1. an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated
    • the subtraction of three from four leaves one
    • four minus three equals one

    Synonyms: minus

    Type of: arithmetic operation

    Related forms: subtract

  2. the act of subtracting (removing a part from the whole)
    • he complained about the subtraction of money from their paychecks

    Synonyms: deduction

    Opposite: addition

    Type of: decrease

    Kinds: bite, withholding

    Related forms: subtract

How to pronounce subtraction

subtraction is pronounced /səbˈtrækʃən/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with subtraction

Scrabble score: 15 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with SU · words ending in ON · 11-letter words

More about subtraction on Wikipedia.