Definition of elimination

The reverse of an addition reaction or transformation.

In an elimination two groups (called eliminands) are lost most often from two different centres (1/2/elimination or 1/3/elimination, etc.) with concomitant formation of an unsaturation in the molecule (double bond, triple bond) or formation of a new ring.

If the groups are lost from a single centre (-elimination, 1/1/elimination) the resulting product is a carbene or a "carbene analogue". See also -elimination.