MINIMUM
minimal, minimum
(adjective) the least possible; āneeded to enforce minimal standardsā; āher grades were minimalā; āminimum wageā; āa 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