Medical Dictionary
reduce
verb re·duce \ri-ˈd(y)üs\
re·ducedre·duc·ing
Medical Definition of REDUCE
transitive verb
1
: to correct (as a fracture or a herniated mass) by bringing displaced or broken parts back into their normal positions
2
a : to bring to the metallic state by removal of nonmetallic elements <reduce an ore by heat> b : deoxidize c : to combine with or subject to the action of hydrogen d (1) : to change (an element or ion) from a higher to a lower oxidation state (2) : to add one or more electrons to (an atom or ion or molecule)
intransitive verb
1
: to become diminished or lessened; especially : to lose weight by dieting
2
: to become reduced <ferrous iron reduces to ferric iron>
3
: to undergo meiosis
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up reduce? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).