reducer

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnical

   A pipe fitting that joins two pipes of different widths, so that the flow passes from a wider one into a narrower one.

   Grammar: Counted like any part name: a reducer, two reducers; often used with a size, such as a 2-inch reducer.

   Patterns

   • a reducer between something and something
   • a reducer for something

   The plumber fitted a reducer so the new narrow pipe could join the old main line.

   You will need a reducer to connect the hose to the smaller tap.

   The reducer was made of brass and fitted tightly.

2. 2nouncountable

   A thing or substance whose job is to lower the amount, strength or level of something, such as a paint thinner or a stress-relieving habit.

   Grammar: Usually follows the thing reduced as a compound: a stress reducer, a noise reducer.

   Patterns

   • a something reducer

   Long walks are my favorite stress reducer.

   The painter added a reducer to make the paint thinner and easier to spray.

   This headset has a noise reducer that blocks out engine hum.

Word forms

Common combinations

pipe reducer

A pipe reducer lets you join two different sizes of tubing.

stress reducer

Music is a good stress reducer after a long day.

noise reducer

The studio installed a noise reducer on the microphone.

paint reducer

Mix the paint reducer in slowly and stir well.

fit a reducer

He had to fit a reducer where the two pipes met.

Synonyms and how they differ

adapter

An adapter joins two parts of different types, while a reducer specifically joins different sizes and narrows the flow.

thinner

Thinner is the usual word for a liquid added to paint, while reducer can also mean the fitting or other things that lessen something.

coupling

A coupling simply joins two pipes, usually of equal size, whereas a reducer changes the width.

Word family

reduce verb

to make something smaller or less

reduction noun

the act of making something less, or the amount cut

reducible adjective

able to be made smaller or simpler

reducing adjective

causing a decrease

Commonly confused: reducer or producer?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reducer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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