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