deduction

noun

• 1the action of deducting or subtracting something:the dividend will be paid without deduction of tax
• [count noun] an amount that is or may be deducted from something, especially from taxable income or tax to be paid:tax deductions

• 2the inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle:the detective must uncover the murderer by deduction from facts [count noun]:we do not yet know if these deductions are correctOften contrasted with induction.