full subtracter
nounA full subtracter is a small computer part that takes away one number from another and also handles a borrow from the next column.
The full subtracter in the circuit correctly subtracted 1 from 0 by borrowing from the next bit.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A digital logic circuit with three inputs (minuend, subtrahend, and borrow-in) that produces a difference and a borrow-out.
Engineers chained full subtracters together to subtract multi-bit binary numbers.
3. A person or tool that performs complete subtraction rather than partial subtraction.
The old calculator acted as a full subtracter for long columns of figures.
4. In educational contexts, a device or worksheet that teaches the whole process of borrowing in subtraction.
The teacher used a full subtracter model to show how borrowing works.