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

A 15-year-old boy has been detained for life with a minimum term of 16 years for the lunch break murder of fellow pupil Harvey Willgoose.

Read more on BBC

At first, she was content to whittle away at her debt by making the minimum payments for perhaps two decades.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One current official told The Atlantic’s Nick Miroff that the agency had already lowered its training standards to attract more recruits, even though the current requirements are considered bare minimum for the job.

Read more on Salon

In January the perpetrator, from Banks in Lancashire, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years.

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Connelly had admitted the offence of causing or allowing the death of her son and was handed a sentence of imprisonment for public protection with a minimum term of five years.

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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.