In the 16th century, Turkish women could divorce their husbands if the man failed to keep his family’s pot filled with coffee.
DIMINUTION
decrease, diminution, reduction, step-down
(noun) the act of decreasing or reducing something
diminution
(noun) the statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration (usually half the length of the original)
decline, diminution
(noun) change toward something smaller or lower
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
diminution (countable and uncountable, plural diminutions)
A lessening, decrease or reduction.
The act or process of making diminutive.
(music) a compositional technique where the composer shortens the melody by shortening its note values.
Synonyms
• (lessening, decrease): diminishment
Source: Wiktionary
Dim`i*nu"tion, n. Etym: [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.
3. (Law)
Definition: Omission, inaccuracy, or defect in a record.
4. (Mus.)
Definition: In counterpoint, the imitation of, or reply to, a subject, in notes of half the length or value of those the subject itself.
Syn.
– Decrease; decay; abatement; reduction; deduction; decrement.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
28 June 2025
ALLERGIC
(adjective) having an allergy or peculiar or excessive susceptibility (especially to a specific factor); “allergic children”; “hypersensitive to pollen”
Coffee Trivia
