subtraction
/ˌsʌbˈtrækʃən/noun★Beginner— the process of taking away a number from another
formal
the mathematical operation of removing a number from another to find the difference
The subtraction of 7 from 12 gives 5.
12 minus 7 equals 5.
Children learn basic subtraction in early grades.
Young students practice subtracting numbers.
💡
Subtraction is one of the four basic arithmetic operations, alongside addition, multiplication, and division.
Collocations
subtraction problema math problem involving subtractionsubtraction signthe minus symbol (-) used in subtractionsubtraction tablea chart showing subtraction results
Synonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Understanding Subtraction
Subtraction is the inverse of addition. For example, if 5 + 3 = 8, then 8 - 5 = 3.
⚡Gold Rule
Basic Rule
Subtraction is performed by removing the smaller number from the larger one.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'subtractio', from 'subtrahere' meaning 'to draw away'
📝Usage Notes
In everyday language, 'subtraction' is often used in educational and mathematical contexts. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a reduction or loss.
Word Breakdown
sub-
under, below
prefix-tract
to draw, pull
root-ion
action or process
suffixEnglish Dictionary