Redüktsioon

Redüktsioon is a term with various meanings depending on the context, most notably in chemistry and linguistics.

In chemistry, redüktsioon refers to a chemical reaction in which a substance gains electrons. This process is often paired with oxidation, where a substance loses electrons, in a combined process called redox reaction. A common example is the reduction of metal ions to their elemental form, such as iron oxide being reduced to iron. Reducing agents are substances that cause reduction by donating electrons.

In linguistics, redüktsioon describes the weakening or loss of a vowel sound, particularly in unstressed syllables. This phenomenon is common in many languages and can lead to a change in pronunciation over time. For instance, the unstressed vowel in "about" is reduced to a schwa sound. Redüktsioon can simplify pronunciation and speech rhythm.

The term redüktsioon also appears in other fields, though less commonly, to signify a process of reduction or simplification. The specific meaning is always determined by the scientific or academic discipline in which it is used.