minimus

[ min-uh-muh s ]

/ ˈmɪn ə məs /

noun, plural min·i·mi [min-uh-mahy] /ˈmɪn əˌmaɪ/.

a creature or being that is the smallest or least significant.

Anatomy. the little finger or toe.

Nearby words

Origin of minimus

1580–90; < New Latin, Latin: literally, smallest

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for minimus

It can easily be distinguished from minimus by the following features: Size much larger; claws on front feet longer and thicker.
The Pocket Gophers (Genus Thomomys) of Utah, Vol. 1 No. 1|Stephen D. Durrant
Jimmy says the pig was very much surprised at Jones minimus, and it wanted to go home and get to bed.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 152, May 16, 1917.|Various
Jimmy says he thought there must he something the matter with Jones minimus, he was so gloomy.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 152, May 16, 1917.|Various
"Half a mo'," he heard Jones minimus say; "I want to get a knotted handkerchief," and he saw him hurry into the school.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, January 5, 1916|Various

Jimmy says Jones minimus is a very good pig-remover, and he thinks it must be a gift with him.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 152, May 16, 1917.|Various

British Dictionary definitions for minimus

minimus

/ (ˈmɪnɪməs) /

adjective

(immediately postpositive) British the youngest: sometimes used after the surname of a schoolboy having elder brothers at the same schoolHunt minimus

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for minimus

minimus

1580s, from Latin minimus (plural minimi); see minim.