article in its definition

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Anonymous  #493330  Wed, 26 Mar 08 09:11 PM

The online dictionary from Naver.co.kr had this definition of 'diminution': 

N-UNCOUNT : usu N of/in n
A diminution of something is its reduction in size, importance, or intensity.[ FORMAL ]
    despite a slight diminution in asset value.
    reduction   

Why the definition has the article 'A'  in its definition and its example phrase when it is noted as an uncountable noun, which a notation that seems to indicate the usually occuring position of Noun of noun or Noun in noun

  
Ant_222  #493351  Wed, 26 Mar 08 10:25 PM
A diminution — an instance of diminution, one act of diminution.

The same applies to the nouns "increase" and "decrease".
  
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Clive  #493352  Wed, 26 Mar 08 10:31 PM

Hi,

The online dictionary from Naver.co.kr had this definition of 'diminution': 

N-UNCOUNT : usu N of/in n
A diminution of something is its reduction in size, importance, or intensity.[ FORMAL ]
    despite a slight diminution in asset value.
    reduction   

Why the definition has the article 'A'  in its definition and its example phrase when it is noted as an uncountable noun, which a notation that seems to indicate the usually occuring position of Noun of noun or Noun in noun

I don't see it as uncountable, although it most often used in the singular. I see it as one of those words that can be used in both a count way (there were many diminutions in the value of his assets in the last 10 years) and a non-count way (I saw some diminution in the amount of flood-water yesterday).

Best wishes, Clive

  
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