Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Diminution"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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} or {increase}.
2. The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the
state of being deprived of dignity; a lowering in
estimation; degradation; abasement.
The world's opinion or diminution of me. --Eikon
Basilike.
Nor thinks it diminution to be ranked In military
honor next. --Philips.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
diminution
n 1: change toward something smaller or lower [syn: {decline}]
2: the act of decreasing or reducing something [syn: {decrease},
{reduction}, {step-down}] [ant: {increase}]
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