The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
MINIMUM
minimal, minimum
(adjective) the least possible; “needed to enforce minimal standards”; “her grades were minimal”; “minimum wage”; “a minimal charge for the service”
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
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
23 January 2025
LEFT
(adjective) being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north; “my left hand”; “left center field”; “the left bank of a river is bank on your left side when you are facing downstream”
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