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minimum
[ min-uh-muhm ]
noun
- the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.
- the lowest speed permitted on a highway.
- the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
- 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.
- Mathematics.
- Also called relative 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
- noting or indicating a minimum.
- least possible:
minimum risk.
- lowest:
a minimum rate.
- pertaining to a minimum or minimums.
minimum
/ ˈɪɪə /
noun
- the least possible amount, degree, or quantity
- the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached
the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°
- modifier being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc
minimum age
- maths a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value
adjective
- of or relating to a minimum or minimums
minimum
- The lowest known or lowest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.
- The lowest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of minimum1
Example Sentences
Cutting a client's hair, Kerry explained she could not afford to take on any new apprentices this year and had been forced to reduce the hours of her current 12 apprentices to the minimum.
A man has been jailed for a minimum of 27 years for the murder of his estranged wife.
On Tuesday, the State Bar told The Times that all questions were reviewed by content validation panels and subject matter experts ahead of the exam for factors including legal accuracy, minimum competence and potential bias.
Before his arrest, Lissu said his party had a list of "minimum but critical reforms that must be made to guarantee free elections".
There is a minimum six-month wait to book a driving test in several areas of the UK, according to data from the AA.
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Related Words
More About Minimum
doesminimum mean?
Minimum means the lowest amount or level of something.
Minimum can be a noun or an adjective and it has several more specific meanings, all of which are related in some way to its primary meaning. When minimum is used as a noun, its plural can be minimums or, less commonly, minima.
Example: Take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.
Where doesminimum come from?
The first records of minimum come from the mid-1600s. It comes from the Latin word minimus, meaning “smallest” or “least.”
In general, minimum often refers to the smallest possible amount of something that can satisfy a requirement, as in You need a minimum of 10 years of experience to apply for this position. It can also refer to the lowest amount that has been observed, and it is used in related ways in mathematics.
Minimum is also used in more specific ways. In terms of the speed limit, the minimum is the lowest speed that’s allowed on a certain road, especially a highway where going any slower would be dangerous. Some restaurants and clubs set a minimum on the money charged to each customer, meaning that you have to spend at least that amount. Similarly, many stores set a minimum amount you must spend in order to use a credit card. Minimum-wage workers earn the lowest amount that’s allowed by law or some other agreement.
Minimum is often used in the phrases bare minimum, meaning “the absolute least,” and at a minimum, meaning “at least,” as in At a minimum, we need to get five more done before the end of the day.
Did you know ... ?
are some other forms related to minimum?
- minimums (plural)
- minima (plural)
are some synonyms for minimum?
are some words that share a root or word element with minimum?
are some words that often get used in discussing minimum?
How isminimum used in real life?
Minimum is a common word that’s used in all kinds of ways. It always refers to the lowest amount, which can be negative or positive depending on the context.
Proud and humbled to announce that I did the absolute bare minimum today
— debbyryan (@DebbyRyan)
NYC sidewalks need lanes and a minimum speed limit.
— brandon / jinx / big jinx (@brandonjinx)
they pay minimum wage and then charge rent at more than 3X what it should be and then tell you the country is doing great economically
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano)
Try usingminimum!
Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of minimum?
A. most
B. lowest
C. least
D. smallest
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