minus sign

American  

noun

Arithmetic.

1. the symbol (−) denoting subtraction or a negative quantity.

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minus sign British  

noun

1. the symbol –, indicating subtraction or a negative quantity

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Etymology

Origin of minus sign

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

“The fact that a minus sign determines the fact that you and I are having this conversation is the weirdest thing in nature,” Meade says.

From Scientific American • Aug. 28, 2023

Next, use quotation marks, the minus sign and the site operator, liberally.

From Washington Post • Feb. 15, 2023

If you know you definitely do not want a word included, add it after a minus sign — type in -rum and you’ll get pages without the word rum on them.

From Washington Post • Feb. 15, 2023

The minus sign is used for motion toward the observer and the plus sign for motion away from the observer, producing the appropriate shifts up and down in frequency.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

"The minus sign expresses it now," he said; "I could kick myself when I think that, at twenty-six, my mother has to pay my washwoman!"

From The Iron Woman by Deland, Margaret Wade Campbell