As a Noun: 1. The calculation in which you take one number away from another number. English = subtraction, deduction. 2. The removal or crossing out of something that has been written down. English = deletion. 3. The act of taking one thing away from another thing. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To do a calculation in which you take one number away from another number. English = subtract, deduct. 2. To cross out or remove something that has been written down. English = delete. 3. To take one thing away from another thing. 4. Used between two numbers to mean that the second number is subtracted from the first number. English = minus.