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minimum
[ min-uh-muhm ]
noun
- the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.
- the lowest speed permitted on a highway.
- the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
- an arbitrary amount set by a restaurant, nightclub, etc., as the least amount to be charged each person for food and drink. Compare cover charge.
- Mathematics.
- Also called relative 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. Compare absolute minimum.
- the point in the domain at which a minimum occurs.
adjective
- noting or indicating a minimum.
- least possible:
minimum risk.
- lowest:
a minimum rate.
- pertaining to a minimum or minimums.
minimum
/ ˈmɪnɪməm /
noun
- the least possible amount, degree, or quantity
- the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached
the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°
- modifier being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc
minimum age
- maths a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value
adjective
- of or relating to a minimum or minimums
minimum
/ mĭn′ə-məm /
, Plural minimums
- The lowest known or lowest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.
- The lowest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of minimum1
Example Sentences
For changes to be approved, a minimum of 14 Premier League clubs needed to vote in favour.
They added it would cost a minimum £14m, and more likely nearer £45m, to complete the required work "based on independent advice".
If convicted as charged, Gutierrez-Ochoa faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison on the drug distribution conspiracy charge.
He was ordered to serve a minimum of 13 years, later reduced to eight on appeal.
Most of what he finds he gives to the gang leader, who pays him a minimum of $1,100 every two weeks.
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Related Words
More About Minimum
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.
Where does minimum come from?
The first records of minimum come from the mid-1600s. It comes from the Latin word minimus, meaning “smallest” or “least.”
In general, minimum often refers to the smallest possible amount of something that can satisfy a requirement, as in You need a minimum of 10 years of experience to apply for this position. It can also refer to the lowest amount that has been observed, and it is used in related ways in mathematics.
Minimum is also used in more specific ways. In terms of the speed limit, the minimum is the lowest speed that’s allowed on a certain road, especially a highway where going any slower would be dangerous. Some restaurants and clubs set a minimum on the money charged to each customer, meaning that you have to spend at least that amount. Similarly, many stores set a minimum amount you must spend in order to use a credit card. Minimum-wage workers earn the lowest amount that’s allowed by law or some other agreement.
Minimum is often used in the phrases bare minimum, meaning “the absolute least,” and at a minimum, meaning “at least,” as in At a minimum, we need to get five more done before the end of the day.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to minimum?
- minimums (plural)
- minima (plural)
What are some synonyms for minimum?
What are some words that share a root or word element with minimum?
What are some words that often get used in discussing minimum?
How is minimum used in real life?
Minimum is a common word that’s used in all kinds of ways. It always refers to the lowest amount, which can be negative or positive depending on the context.
Proud and humbled to announce that I did the absolute bare minimum today
— debbyryan (@DebbyRyan) March 11, 2019
NYC sidewalks need lanes and a minimum speed limit.
— brandon / jinx / big jinx (@brandonjinx) May 20, 2015
they pay minimum wage and then charge rent at more than 3X what it should be and then tell you the country is doing great economically
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) January 10, 2020
Try using minimum!
Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of minimum?
A. most
B. lowest
C. least
D. smallest
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