minimum

American  

[min-uh-muhm] / ˈmɪn ə məm /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. of or relating to a minimum or minimums

minimum Scientific  

/ mĭn′ə-məm /

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.

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of minimum

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

Example Sentences

As an example, the union cited staffing ratios for custodians that it said are below the district’s own minimum standards.

From Los Angeles Times

When she came back last month, with the new H-2A rates in effect, she was offered only the state minimum wage of $16.90 an hour.

From Los Angeles Times

A: They serve as pressure for the State to guarantee her certain minimum conditions, for example, regarding her health.

From Barron's

It is likely Anderson would cost a minimum of £80m - a fee United accept they will need to pay to secure one of their top targets for the coveted number six position.

From BBC

Nineteen states raised their minimum wages in January, giving an estimated 8.3 million workers a raise.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• minimal