reducer

2 definitions found

reducer - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Reducer \Re*du"cer\ (-s?r), n.
     1. One who, or that which, reduces.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Mach.)
        (a) A contrivance for reducing the dimensions of one part
            so as to fit it to another, as a reducing coupling, or
            a device for holding a drilling a chuck.
        (b) A reducing motion.
        (c) A reducing valve.
        (d) A hydraulic device for reducing pressure and hence
            increasing movement, used to transmit the load from
            the hydraulic support of the lower shackle to the
            lever weighing apparatus in some kinds of heavy
            testing machines.
            [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     3. (Photog.) A reducing agent, either a developer or an agent
        for reducing density.
        [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     4. (Chem.) a reducing agent.
        [PJC]

reducer - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  reducer
      n 1: a substance capable of bringing about the reduction of
           another substance as it itself is oxidized; used in
           photography to lessen the density of a negative or print by
           oxidizing some of the loose silver [syn: reducing agent,
           reducer, reductant]
      2: pipefitting that joins two pipes of different diameter