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minimum

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min⋅i⋅mum

  [min-uh-muhm] noun, plural -mums, -ma  [-muh] , adjective
Use minimum in a Sentence
–noun
1. the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.
2. the lowest speed permitted on a highway.
3. the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
4. an arbitrary amount set by a restaurant, nightclub, etc., as the least amount to be charged each person for food and drink. Compare cover charge.
5. Mathematics.
a. Also called relative minimum, local minimum. the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is less than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point. Compare absolute minimum.
b. the point in the domain at which a minimum occurs.
–adjective
6. noting or indicating a minimum.
7. least possible: minimum risk.
8. lowest: a minimum rate.
9. pertaining to a minimum or minimums.
Origin:
1655–65; < L, neut. of minimus smallest, least. See minor
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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min·i·mum   (mĭn'ə-məm)   
n.   pl. min·i·mums or min·i·ma (-mə)
    1. The least possible quantity or degree.
    2. The lowest degree or amount reached or recorded; the lower limit of variation.
    3. The smallest number in a finite set of numbers.
    4. A value of a function that is less than any other value of the function over a specific interval.
  2. A lower limit permitted by law or other authority.
  3. A sum of money set by a nightclub or restaurant as the least amount each patron must spend on food and drink.
  4. Mathematics
    1. The smallest number in a finite set of numbers.
    2. A value of a function that is less than any other value of the function over a specific interval.
adj.  Of, consisting of, or representing the lowest possible amount or degree permissible or attainable.

[Latin, from neuter of minimus, least; see mei-2 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Minimum

Min"i*mum\, n.; pl. Minima. [L., fr. minimus. See Minim.] The least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible, in a given case; hence, a thing of small consequence; -- opposed to maximum.

Minimum thermometer, a thermometer for recording the lowest temperature since its last adjustment.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : minimum
Spanish: mínimo,
German: Mindest-…,
Japanese: 最小限の
More Translations »

minimum 
1663 (n.) "smallest portion into which matter is divisible," from L. minimum "smallest" (thing), neut. of minimus "smallest," superl. of minor "smaller" (see minor). The adj. is first attested 1810. Minimal "smallest, least" is from 1666. Minimalist first recorded 1907, originally an Anglicization of Menshevik (q.v.); in sense of "practitioner of minimal art" it is first recorded 1967; the term minimal art is from 1965. Minimize first recorded 1802 in Bentham.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: 1min·i·mum
Pronunciation: 'min-&-m&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural min·i·ma /-&-m&/ or min·i·mums
1 : the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible
2 : the lowest degree oramount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

Main Entry: 2minimum
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting a minimum minimum psychiatric needs of the country —E. A.Strecker> minimum standards for medical education —CIBA Symposia>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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minimum   (mĭn'ə-məm)  Pronunciation Key 
Plural minimums or minima
  1. The lowest known or lowest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.
  2. The lowest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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