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Glite Dictionary
subtractor

subtractor

8.0
A device in a computer that subtracts numbers
  • noun
  • /səbˈtræktər/
  • Specialized
: restador
  • Engineers use a subtractor in various computing applications to perform efficient binary subtraction.

Examples

  • In a simple calculator, the subtractor circuit enables users to find the difference between two numbers.

  • You only end up needing a shift which costs next to nothing, adders and subtractors, and an absolute value operation.

  • The subtractor is a key component in the digital circuit that allows for the accurate calculation of binary numbers.

Synonyms

subtracter
vssubtractor
  • Specialized
7.2

A device in a computer that takes one number away from another number

is specifically an electronic circuit for binary subtraction in digital systems

Surface Forms

subtractor singular
subtractors plural

Morphology

subtractor = subtract (transparent) = subtract + or

The noun is a regular agent/instrument nominalization of the verb 'subtract' with the productive suffix '-or', so its meaning is directly predictable.

Etymology

Subtractor comes from the parts sub- meaning 'under' and tract meaning 'to pull', the same root as tractor, a machine that pulls. So a subtractor is something that 'pulls away' one number from another, which fits its job of taking away values in a circuit.