What does "reducing" mean?

1. (causing a chemical change) describes a substance that causes a specific chemical reaction by giving away electrons. 2. (cooking a liquid) boiling a liquid like a sauce so it becomes thicker and stronger in flavor.

How do you use "reducing"?

Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'reducing agent'.

reducing

adj. · v.

US //ɹəˈdusɪŋ// UK //ɹɪdjˈuːsɪŋ// re·duc·ing

1 causing a chemical change (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

describes a substance that causes a specific chemical reaction by giving away electrons.

describes a substance that acts as a reductant in a chemical reaction, typically by donating electrons to another reactant.

Example

In this experiment, the sugar acts as a reducing agent for the copper solution.

Example

The chemist identified the specific reducing agent required to facilitate the transformation of the metal ions into their elemental state.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'reducing agent'.
- reductive
- oxidizing
2 cooking a liquid (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

boiling a liquid like a sauce so it becomes thicker and stronger in flavor.

the process of thickening and intensifying the flavour of a liquid by boiling it to evaporate water.

Example

Reducing the sauce for ten minutes will make it much tastier.

Example

By reducing the balsamic vinegar over low heat, the chef created a thick glaze that complemented the roasted vegetables perfectly.
- thickening
- concentrating
- diluting