reductives

Adjective

reductive (comparative more reductive, superlative most reductive)

1. (archaic, Scots law) Pertaining to the reduction of a decree etc.; rescissory.
2. Causing the physical reduction or diminution of something.
3. That reduces a substance etc. to a more simple or basic form.
   • 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
4. (archaic, historical) That can be derived from, or referred back to, something else.
   • 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 derogatory) That reduces an argument, issue etc. to its most basic terms; simplistic, reductionist.