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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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}.
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2. The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the
state of being deprived of dignity; a lowering in
estimation; degradation; abasement.
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The world's opinion or diminution of me. --Eikon
Basilike.
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Nor thinks it diminution to be ranked
In military honor next. --Philips.
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3. (Law) Omission, inaccuracy, or defect in a record.
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4. (Mus.) 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.
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