minimum

[ min-uh-muhm ]
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noun,plural min·i·mums, min·i·ma [min-uh-muh]. /ˈmɪn ə mə/.
  1. the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.

  2. the lowest speed permitted on a highway.

  1. the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

adjective
  1. noting or indicating a minimum.

  2. least possible: minimum risk.

  1. lowest: a minimum rate.

  2. pertaining to a minimum or minimums.

Origin of minimum

1
First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin, neuter of minimus “smallest, least”; see minor

Words that may be confused with minimum

Words Nearby minimum

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use minimum in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for minimum

minimum

/ (ˈmɪnɪməm) /


nounplural -mums or -ma (-mə)
  1. the least possible amount, degree, or quantity

  2. the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached: the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°

  1. (modifier) being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc: minimum age

  2. maths a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value

adjective
  1. of or relating to a minimum or minimums

Origin of minimum

1
C17: from Latin: smallest thing, from minimus least

Collins 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

minimum

[ mĭnə-məm ]


Plural minimums 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 © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.