Dim'i-nū'tion, n.
n. [Lat. diminutio, Fr. diminution, Pr. diminutio, Sp. diminucion, It. diminuzione. See DIMINISH.]
Sense 1. The act of diminishing, or of making or becoming less, or the state of being diminished; reduction in size, quantity, or degree; — opposed to augmentation or increase.
Sense 2. The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the state of being deprived of dignity; degradation; abasement. “The world’s opinion or diminution of me.” King Charles.
Nor thinks it diminution to be ranked In military honor next. Philips.
Sense 3. (Law.) Omission, inaccuracy, or defect in a record. Burrill.
Sense 4. (Mus.) The imitation of, or reply to, a subject, in notes of half the length or value of those of the subject itself. Moore.
Synonyms— Decrease; decay; abatement; deduction; decrement.