reductive

comparative more reductive · superlative most reductive

1. archaicScots lawPertaining to the reduction of a decree etc.; rescissory.First known use 16th c.
2. Causing the physical reduction or diminution of something.First known use 17th c.
3. biologyThat reduces a substance etc. to a more simple or basic form.First known use 17th c.

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

   1848, F Knapp, Chemical Technology; Or, Chemistry Applied to the Arts and to Manufactures

   1 more example

   It is likely that the long evolutionary trajectory of Mycoplasma went from a reductive autotroph to oxidative heterotroph to a cell-wall–defective degenerate parasite. This evolutionary trajectory assumes the simplicity to complexity route of biogenesis, a point of view that is not universally accepted.

   2013 March 28, Harold J. Morowitz, “The Smallest Cell”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 2, archived from the original on 04 Jan 2017, page 83

4. archaichistoricalThat can be derived from, or referred back to, something else.First known use 17th c.

   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.

   1847, John Johnson, The theological works of the rev. John Johnson

5. now frequently derogatoryThat reduces an argument, issue etc. to its most basic terms; simplistic, reductionist.First known use 20th c.