minimum

[min-uh-muhm]

noun

plural

minimums, minima 

1. the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.

2. the lowest speed permitted on a highway.

3. the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.

4. an arbitrary amount set by a restaurant, nightclub, etc., as the least amount to be charged each person for food and drink.

5. Mathematics.

   1. Also called relative minimum,. Also called local 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.

   2. the point in the domain at which a minimum occurs.

adjective

1. noting or indicating a minimum.

2. least possible.

   minimum risk.

3. lowest.

   a minimum rate.

4. pertaining to a minimum or minimums.

minimum

/ ˈmɪnɪməm /

noun

1. the least possible amount, degree, or quantity

2. the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached

   the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°

3. (modifier) being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc

   minimum age

4. maths a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value

adjective

1. of or relating to a minimum or minimums

minimum

plural

minimums 

1. The lowest known or lowest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.

2. The lowest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimum¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin, neuter of minimus “smallest, least”; minor

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimum¹

C17: from Latin: smallest thing, from minimus least

Example Sentences

"We understand the real pressure on household budgets and have worked to keep increases to a minimum, while still ensuring there is funding to deliver essential improvements at reasonable cost."

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Rinderknecht, who moved to Florida after the fire, who was arrested Tuesday, was charged with destruction of property by means of fire and faces a minimum of five years in federal prison.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In practical terms, Pearson said, this means measures like raising the federal minimum wage, passing Medicare for All and preventing corporations from automating away jobs that working-class Americans rely on.

Read more on Salon

But she points out this is not the case for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where regulators require firms to hold minimum levels of stock.

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But there were no minimum quotas for female lawmakers, nor for those from the country's many ethnic and religious minorities.

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Related Words

• minimal 

When To Use

What does minimum 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.