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dim·i·nu·tion

(dĭm′ə-nshən, -ny-)

a. The act or process of diminishing; a lessening or reduction.

b. The resulting reduction; decrease.

2. Music Statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration, usually one-half, of the original.

[Middle English diminucioun, from Old French diminution, from Latin dīminūtiō, dīminūtiōn-, from dīminūtus, past participle of dīminuere; see DIMINISH.]

dim′i·nution·al adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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