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

The rink in Milan, approved by the International Ice Hockey Federation, is shorter than the minimum requirement in the NHL, leading to suggestions there could be an increase in high-speed collisions.

From BBC

The minimum annual salary is about $69,000 and longtime teachers with added education credits can earn more than $100,000.

From Los Angeles Times

“They are meeting a minimum credit score to qualify. Their income has got to fly, just like any other borrower. We’re just getting them money to help them get in.”

From MarketWatch

He boasts that they receive the "minimum of minimum conditions."

From BBC

Traditionally, college students have been subject to certain requirements to maintain eligibility and play Division I, II and III sports, like taking a minimum number of class credits or maintaining good academic standing.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• minimal