reduction
re.duc.tion \ri-'d*k-sh*n\ \-shn*l, -sh*n-*l\ \-'d*k-tiv\ n [ME reduccion restoration, fr. MF reduction, fr. LL & L; LL redu]ction-, reductio reduction (in a syllogism), fr. L, restoration, fr. reductus, past part. of reducere 1: the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced 2: something made by reducing 3: MEIOSIS; specif : production of the gametic chromosome num ber in the first meiotic division - re.duc.tion.al aj