minim

[ min-uhm ]

noun

1. the smallest unit of liquid measure, 1/60 (0.0167) of a fluid dram, roughly equivalent to one drop. : min, min.; : ♍, ♏
2. Music. a note, formerly the shortest in use, but now equivalent in time value to one half of a semibreve; half note.
3. the least quantity of anything.
4. something very small or insignificant.
5. (initial capital letter) a member of a mendicant religious order founded in the 15th century by St. Francis of Paola.

adjective

1. smallest.
2. very small.

minim

/ ˈmɪnɪm /

noun

1. a unit of fluid measure equal to one sixtieth of a drachm. It is approximately equal to one drop M
2. music a note having the time value of half a semibreve Usual US and Canadian namehalf-note
3. a small or insignificant person or thing
4. a downward stroke in calligraphy

adjective

1. rare.
   very small; tiny

Word History and Origins

Origin of minim¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin, Latin minimus; as musical term, < Medieval Latin ( nota ) minima; minimum

Word History and Origins

Origin of minim¹

C15 (in its musical meaning): from Latin minimus smallest

Example Sentences

At such an hour as this Malone wasted no minim of strength in futile anger.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Jones from a small case vial dropped a single minim into a teaspoon and wiped it off upon her tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

The dose was severe—yet she seemed healthy enough to stand a three-minim injection.

From Project Gutenberg

In such a case, the third minim adds nothing to the duration of the bar, as some conductors seem to imagine.

From Project Gutenberg

It is to be given in ten to twenty minim doses, largely diluted.

From Project Gutenberg