diminution — /dim euh nooh sheuhn, nyooh /, n. 1. the act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction. 2. Music. the repetition or imitation of a subject or theme in notes of shorter duration than those first used. [1275 1325; ME diminucion < AF… … Universalium
diminution — dim•i•nu•tion [[t]ˌdɪm əˈnu ʃən, ˈnyu [/t]] n. the act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction • Etymology: 1275–1325; ME < AF < L dīminūtiō, for dēminūtiō (by influence of dīminuere; see diminish) < dēminū , var. s. of… … From formal English to slang
diminution — [dim΄ə no͞o′shən, dim΄ənyo͞o′shən] n. [ME < OFr < L deminutio] 1. a diminishing or being diminished; lessening; decrease 2. Music variation of a theme by shortening, usually halving, the time value of the notes: cf. AUGMENTATION … English World dictionary
Diminution — Dim i*nu tion, n. [L. diminutio, or perh. rather deminutio: cf. F. diminution. See {Diminish}.] 1. The act of diminishing, or of making or becoming less; state of being diminished; reduction in size, quantity, or degree; opposed to {augmentation} … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
