reductive

1. 1

   Pertaining to the reduction of a decree etc.; rescissory.archaic

2. 2

   Causing the physical reduction or diminution of something.

3. 3

   That reduces a substance etc. to a more simple or basic form.

   • On the relative reductive powers of different classes of American coals, as demonstrated by the experiments with oxide of lead.
4. 4

   That can be derived from, or referred back to, something else.archaichistorical

   • But then beside the primary and direct sense of the text, the ancients commonly supposed that there was a reductive or anagogical meaning, in which it might be taken.
5. 5

   That reduces an argument, issue etc. to its most basic terms; simplistic, reductionist.

ant. oxidative