minimum
the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.
the lowest speed permitted on a highway.
the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
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.
Mathematics.
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.
the point in the domain at which a minimum occurs.
noting or indicating a minimum.
least possible: minimum risk.
lowest: a minimum rate.
pertaining to a minimum or minimums.
Origin of minimum
1Words that may be confused with minimum
- minimal, minimum
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use minimum in a sentence
Even Harvey Weinstein, normally a bête noir this time of year, has kept his hijinks to a relative minimum.
British Dictionary definitions for minimum
/ (ˈmɪnɪməm) /
the least possible amount, degree, or quantity
the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached: the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°
(modifier) being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc: minimum age
maths a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value
of or relating to a minimum or minimums
Origin of minimum
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for minimum
[ mĭn′ə-məm ]
The lowest known or lowest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.
The lowest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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