subtraction Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated
    minus.
    • the subtraction of three from four leaves one
    • four minus three equals one
  2. noun the act of subtracting (removing a part from the whole)
    deduction.
    • he complained about the subtraction of money from their paychecks

WordNet

Sub*trac"tion noun
Etymology
L. subtractio a drawing back. See Subtract, and cf. Substraction.
Definitions
  1. The act or operation of subtracting or taking away a part.
  2. (Math.) The taking of a lesser number or quantity from a greater of the same kind or denomination; an operation for finding the difference between two numbers or quantities.
  3. (Law) The withdrawing or withholding from a person of some right to which he is entitled by law. ✍ Thus the subtraction of conjugal rights is when either the husband or wife withdraws from the other and lives separate without sufficient reason. The subtraction of a legacy is the withholding or detailing of it from the legatee by the executor. In like manner, the withholding of any service, rent, duty, or custom, is a subtraction, for which the law gives a remedy. Blackstone.

Webster 1913