4. (Mus.) In counterpoint, the imitation of, or reply to, a subject, in notes of half the length or value of those the subject itself.
Syn. -- Decrease; decay; abatement; reduction; deduction; decrement.
Di*min`u*ti"val (?), a. Indicating diminution; diminutive. "Diminutival forms" [of words]. Earle. -- n. A diminutive. Earle.
Di*min"u*tive (?), a. [Cf. L. deminutivus, F. diminutif.] 1. Below the average size; very small; little.