English Reference
adjective · verb

reducing

adj. · v.
US /ɹəˈdusɪŋ/ UK /ɹɪdjˈuːsɪŋ/ re·duc·ing

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Technical Science

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

    oxidizing
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage reducing the amount · reducing reliance · reducing the emissions

Companies are also racing to extract resources from the moon for what some, including Blue Origin, say will enable lunar development by reducing trips to and from the moon.

Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

In response, the EBU changed the rules for 2026, reducing the maximum number of votes to 10.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated