reducible
Meaning
able to be simplified or made less complex
(chemistry) able to be converted to a different, often simpler, form, especially by the addition of hydrogen or removal of oxygen
(mathematics) able to be factored or simplified into a more basic form
Structure
Usage
the complex argument was reducible to a few basic principles.
iron oxide is a reducible compound that can be converted to metallic iron.
the polynomial equation was reducible to a product of two simpler factors.
Etymology
the word 'reducible' is built from latin components. the core root is 'ducere', meaning "to lead", which is embedded in the spelling 'duc'. the prefix 're-', meaning "back", implies a reversal or return to a prior state. the suffix '-ible' indicates capability. thus, the literal sense is "able to be led back". this concept evolved from the physical act of leading something back to a simpler or original condition to the modern abstract meanings of simplification in logic, conversion in chemistry, and factorization in mathematics. the semantic thread consistently involves the idea of returning a complex entity to a more fundamental form.
Analysis
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". duc: latin origin, from the root 'ducere' meaning "to lead". ible: latin origin, suffix forming adjectives meaning "able to be".