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Definition of subtraction

subtraction

/səbˈtræk.ʃən/
sub · trac · tion
Plural:subtractions
•
Adjective:subtractive
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subtraction Lexical Profile

subtraction Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The mathematical operation or process of taking one number or quantity away from another to find the difference between them.

Example

"The second-grade students practiced simple addition and subtraction using wooden counting blocks."

2

The act or process of removing, deducting, or withholding a part from a whole.

Example

"After the subtraction of taxes and insurance premiums, her net monthly paycheck was noticeably smaller."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for subtraction
Antonyms
View all antonyms for subtraction

• Rhymes for subtraction

• Nearby Words

subtopic
subtotal
subtract
subtraction
subtropical
subtropics
subtweet

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Late Middle English from Late Latin subtractio ('a drawing back or taking away'), a noun of action from the verb subtrahere, formed from sub- ('from below') and trahere ('to draw or pull').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Subtraction. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/subtraction
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