MINIMUM

minimal, minimum

(adjective) the least possible; ā€œneeded to enforce minimal standardsā€; ā€œher grades were minimalā€; ā€œminimum wageā€; ā€œa minimal charge for the serviceā€

minimum

(noun) the point on a curve where the tangent changes from negative on the left to positive on the right

minimum, lower limit

(noun) the smallest possible quantity

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

minimum (plural minima or minimums)

The lowest limit.

The smallest amount.

(astronomy) A period of minimum brightness or energy intensity (of a star).

(analysis) A lower bound of a set which is also an element of that set.

(statistics) The smallest member of a batch or sample or the lower bound of a probability distribution.

Usage notes

• Minima is more common plural for the technical senses.

Antonyms

• maximum

Hypernyms

• (statistics): measure of location

• extremum

Adjective

minimum (not comparable)

To the lowest degree.

Synonyms

• minimal

Source: Wiktionary


Min"i*mum, n.; pl. Minima. Etym: [L., fr. minimus. See Minim.]

Definition: The least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible, in a given case; hence, a thing of small consequence; -- opposed to Ant: maximum.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

22 February 2025

ANALYSIS

(noun) the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., ā€˜the father of the brideā€™ instead of ā€˜the brideā€™s fatherā€™


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Coffee Trivia

The first coffee-house in Mecca dates back to the 1510s. The beverage was in Turkey by the 1530s. It appeared in Europe circa 1515-1519 and was introduced to England by 1650. By 1675 the country had more than 3,000 coffee houses, and coffee had replaced beer as a breakfast drink.

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