diminution

[dim-uh-noo-shuh n, -nyoo-] /ˌdɪm əˈnu ʃən, -ˈnyu-/
noun
1.
the act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction.
2.
Music. the repetition or imitation of a subject or theme in notes of shorter duration than those first used.
Origin
1275-1325; Middle English diminucion < Anglo-French diminuciun < Latin dīminūtiōn- (stem of dīminūtiō), for dēminūtiōn- (stem of dēminūtiō) (by influence of dīmunuere; see diminish), equivalent to dēminūt(us) (past participle of dēminuere, equivalent to dē- de- + minuere to lessen) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
prediminution, noun
Examples from the web for diminution
  • Among the effects observed were a reduction in teasing and a diminution of destructiveness toward property.
  • Several questions have been raised about the progressive diminution of the birth rate.
  • Then there is the real or perceived diminution of mobility on the job market.
  • The diminution of the national cricket team is a catastrophe in its own right.
  • NO diminution of geographical research and travel literature is ever to be expected.
  • Two evolutionary pressures are thought to drive this process of diminution.
  • In no other part of the world is the idea of a diminution of national sovereignty anywhere near so readily accepted.
  • It was never my intention to be critical of the medical profession or to suggest a diminution of public confidence in physicians.
  • For others, these overruns represent a continuing diminution of household wealth.
  • Big-there has been no diminution in the quality of trenchant travesty.
British Dictionary definitions for diminution

diminution

/ˌdɪmɪˈnjuːʃən/
noun
1.
reduction; decrease
2.
(music) the presentation of the subject of a fugue, etc, in which the note values are reduced in length Compare augmentation (sense 3)
Word Origin
C14: from Latin dēminūtiō; see diminish
Word Origin and History for diminution
n.

c.1300, from Anglo-French diminuciun, Old French diminucion, from Latin diminutionem (nominative diminutio), earlier deminutionem, noun of action from past participle stem of deminuere (see diminish).