'subtractive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'subtractivus', where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'trahere' meant 'to draw or pull'.

'subtractivus' transformed into the French word 'soustractif', and eventually became the modern English word 'subtractive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to draw away or remove', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to subtraction'.