Reducible: meaning, definitions and examples

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reducible

 

[ rɪˈdjuːsəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in mathematics

Capable of being reduced or simplified to a simpler form.

Synonyms

simplifiable, simplistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reducible

Suitable for general usage, it means something that can be lessened or made smaller.

  • The price of the product is reducible during sales
  • The workload is reducible if we hire more staff
simplifiable

Used in mathematical or logical contexts to describe something that can be made simpler.

  • The algebraic expression x^2 - 4 is simplifiable to (x - 2)(x + 2)
  • The code is simplifiable by using a function
simplistic

Often has a negative connotation, suggesting that something is too simple and lacks complexity. Commonly used in critiques.

  • The plan was dismissed as too simplistic
  • The article offers a simplistic view of a complex issue

Examples of usage

  • This equation is reducible to a quadratic form.
  • The complex problem turned out to be reducible to a series of simpler tasks.
Context #2 | Adjective

in chemistry

Able to undergo reduction, the gain of electrons by one of the atoms in a molecule.

Synonyms

oxidizable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reducible

This word is mainly used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in chemistry, to describe a substance that can gain electrons or decrease in oxidation state. It can also refer to a problem or issue that can be simplified or minimized in some way.

  • Iron(III) oxide is reducible to iron in a blast furnace.
  • The complexity of the project is reducible with proper planning.
oxidizable

This term is also used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry, to describe a substance that can lose electrons or increase in oxidation state during a chemical reaction.

  • Hydrogen gas is highly oxidizable and can react explosively with oxygen.
  • The presence of oxidizable metals affects the battery’s performance.

Examples of usage

  • This compound is reducible under certain conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "reducible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reduzível

🇮🇳 घटाने योग्य

🇩🇪 reduzierbar

🇮🇩 dapat dikurangi

🇺🇦 скорочуваний

🇵🇱 redukowalny

🇯🇵 還元可能な

🇫🇷 réductible

🇪🇸 reducible

🇹🇷 indirgenebilir

🇰🇷 줄일 수 있는

🇸🇦 قابل للتخفيض

🇨🇿 redukovatelný

🇸🇰 redukovateľný

🇨🇳 可约简的

🇸🇮 zmanjšljiv

🇮🇸 minnanlegt

🇰🇿 қысқартуға болатын

🇬🇪 შემცირებადი

🇦🇿 azaldıla bilən

🇲🇽 reducible

Etymology

The word 'reducible' originates from the Latin word 'reducere', meaning 'to bring back'. It first appeared in the English language in the 15th century. Over time, 'reducible' has been used in various fields such as mathematics, chemistry, and philosophy to denote the ability to simplify or undergo reduction.

See also: reduced, reducer, reducing, reduction.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,724, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.