Reduction

Engineering definition  

Any lessening of a property. Reduction may be in cost, capability, time required for servicing, size, weight, strength, or another aspect of a design.

Medical definition

The return of a body part to its correct anatomical position. In orthopedics, the word is used to describe the process of repositioning a dislocated or fractured bone so that it can heal properly. Sometimes this can be done through external manipulation alone, without an incision, in what is called a closed reduction. A cast or splint is used to reinforce the repair. In other cases, the surgeon must cut into the patient to access the bone in what is called an open reduction. Internal fixation through the use of metal plates and screws, wires, or rods may be needed to stabilize this type of repair.

Confusion

Engineers who have not been exposed to the medical use of the word reduction may misunderstand it as a decrease in the amount of bone. However, it has logical meaning in the dictionary sense of bringing the bone to a specified condition.