subtractive

[ suhb-trak-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to subtract; having power to subtract.
2. Mathematics. (of a quantity) that is to be subtracted; having the minus sign (−).

subtractive

/ səb-trăk′tĭv /

1. Relating to the production of color by the blocking or removal of varying wavelengths, as with colored filters, or by the mixing of pigments that absorb certain wavelengths and reflect others.
2. ◆ The subtractive primaries cyan, magenta, and yellow are those colors whose wavelengths can be filtered or absorbed in different proportions to produce all other colors.
3. Compare additiveSee Note at color
4. Marked by or involving subtraction.

Other Words From

• nonsub·tractive adjective
• nonsub·tractive·ly adverb
• unsub·tractive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtractive¹

First recorded in 1680–90; subtract + -ive

Example Sentences

One I keep returning to is about additive versus subtractive solutions.

From Los Angeles Times

Traditional methods of wood shaping are subtractive and tend to produce large amounts of waste, which is usually discarded or recycled into materials like fuel, mulch, and animal bedding.

From Science Magazine

It was in that martyr city, among hollowed houses and numberless casualties, where Beckett’s subtractive vision began to crystallize into a new art of bleak hope.

From New York Times

It’s a subtractive primary color, which means it never really gets its due.

From Seattle Times

One of the more peculiar features of Morris’ art is that her compositions feel subtractive rather than additive.

From Los Angeles Times