Reducibles

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Capable of being simplified, minimized, or brought down to a more basic or smaller form; referring to elements that can be decomposed or broken down into simpler components; describing quantities or problems that can be reduced or scaled back in complexity
2. Pertaining to items or concepts that admit reduction or simplification to a more fundamental state; involving objects that can be lessened or converted into simpler parts; indicating cases where something can be lowered or condensed in scope or size
3. Relating to subjects or entities that can be transformed into a simpler or lower condition; designating objects that allow for breakdown into less complex elements; signifying issues or amounts that are susceptible to decrease or refinement into more basic units

Etymology: "Reducibles" is simply the plural of "reducible," an adjective meaning able to be reduced, from the verb "reduce." That verb comes from Latin "reducere," literally "to lead back," built from "re-" (back) and "ducere" (to lead), so the underlying idea is of bringing something back to a smaller or simpler state. "Reducible" follows the same pattern as other English adjectives ending in "-ible," formed on the Latin verb stem. The plural noun use, meaning things that can be reduced, is a straightforward extension of that adjective, so the word needs little explanation beyond its parts. The sense of "reduce" as making something smaller came into English later than its literal Latin meaning of leading back, which is the more surprising shift to keep in mind.